Functional outcome following internal fixation of intraarticular fractures of the distal humerus

Abstract

Introduction: To evaluate the functional outcome following internal fixation of intraarticular fractures of the distal humerus (AO Type C) with a minimum follow-up of twelve months.Materials and Methods: This prospective study was carried out at the Orthopaedics Department Government Medical College, Srinagar Kashmir. A total of 170 consecutive patients with intraarticular fractures of the distal humerus were recruited from Emergency and outpatient departments and treated with open anatomical reduction and internal fixation with plating and lag screw. Functional evaluations of elbow joints were evaluated with Broberg and Morrey functional rating index. All patients were followed for twelve months.Results: All fractures united in an average of 3.2 months (range 7-19 weeks). The results were excellent in 66.47% of patients and good in 22.35% of patients at final follow-up. Complications were found in 22.35% of patients who had insignificant delayed unions which were united next 3 weeks, 7.05% of insignificance malunion, 5.83% of ulnar nerve neurapraxia, and 5.83% of patients who developed elbow stiffness. Conclusions: We conclude that internal fixation of intraarticular fractures of the distal humerus is an effective procedure with an excellent or good functional outcome in majority of the patients. Patients have a high level of satisfaction and the majority return to their previous level of activity.