Comparing functional outcome of type C distal humerus fractures treated with internal fixation using olecranon osteotomy and triceps splitting approaches

Abstract

Objective: To compare the functional outcome of distal humerus fractures AO type c treated using two different approaches (olecranon osteotomy and triceps splitting approach).Design: Prospective study.Methods: Total 30 patients each divided in to two groups each consisting of 15 patients1 and group 1, group 2 undergone ORIF using olecranon osteotomy and triceps splitting Approach respectively and evaluated at end of 6 months using MEPS score.Results: Group 1 (15 patients) who undergone olecranon osteotomy has mean elbow flexion (119 ± 8.3), loss of elbow extension (11 ± 4.7) and group 2 (15 patients) who undergone triceps splitting approach has mean elbow flexion (104 ± 10.4), loss of elbow extension (23 ± 5.7) and were significantly different.Conclusion: In this study we concluded that olecranon osteotomy approach provided better outcome than triceps splitting approach. Intraarticular distal humerus fractures was better visualized with olecranon osteotomy approach and allowed early mobilization.