Management of intercondylar humerus fracture using jess fixator in adults: A hospital based prospective study

Abstract

Introduction: Intercondylar fracture of distal humerus is one of the difficult fracture involving the humerus in adults. Intercondylar fracture distal humerus in adults are difficult to manage due to complex anatomy of elbow. We present a method of surgical treatment of intercondylar humerus fracture in adults by open reduction with JEES fixator and to evaluate functional outcome and associated complication with application of JESS fixator.Materials & Methods: It is Institutional based, prospective study carried out from June 2018 to May 2019.Twenty cases of intercondylar distal humerus fracture were reduced and fixed with K-wire and finally JESS was applied. Patient were follow up at 1week, 4weeks, 6weeks & 12weeks and clinically evaluated with Mayo’s elbow performance score. Results: According to AO classification 4 cases had C1 fractures, 14 cases had C2 fractures and and 2 cases had C3 fractures. 3 cases had open injury among which two were of C2 and 1 were C3 type. All cases were operated using paratricipital approach and average duration of JESS application was 7 week and mean follow up duration was 9 months. Irrespective of injury pattern 9(45%) cases showed excellent results, 7(35%) showed good results, 3(15%) cases showed fair results and 1(5%) case showed poor results.Discussion: The goal of intercondylar fracture management by JESS technique is to achieve early range of motion of anatomically align joint. Conclusion: This study shows comparatively good results using JESS fixator. This procedure is viable alternative option to ORIF dur to its simplicit, cost-effectiveness and easy implant removal on day care basis.