Radiological Criteria for Rotational Reduction in Humeral Shaft Fractures

Main Article Content

Julio J. Contreras
Camila Azocar
Manuel Beltrán
Alex Redlich
Edmundo Sánchez
Rodrigo J. Liendo

Abstract

Introduction: Humeral shaft fractures are frequent and surgical treatment is currently favored. Consolidation in malrotation is a complication that can lead to impaired function and long-term osteoarthritis. In minimally invasive techniques, it is difficult to manage intraoperative rotation as there is no direct view of the fracture reduction.
Objective: To describe radiological criteria for rotational reduction in humeral shaft fractures.
Materials and Methods: Retrospective study of humerus radiographs comparing radiological criteria of the distal humerus between radiographs with internal rotation (without proximal retroversion) and radiographswith external rotation (with physiological retroversion). Criteria studied: Overprojection of the lateral epicondyle over the capitellum of more than 50%; sclerosis of the lower border of the olecranon fossa (OF); sclerosis of the lateral border of the OF; and asymmetry of the OF.
Results: 200 radiographs were studied; 97% met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Overprojection ofthe epicondyle over the capitellum was found in 83.3% of the cases. Sclerosis of the inferior border of the OF in 30%, sclerosis of the lateral border of the OF in 86.6%, and asymmetry of the OF in 80%. All criteria were statistically significant (p<0.001). When analyzing the 3 positive signs, we found a sensitivity of 70% and a specificity of 98%. The positive predictive value was 95.5% and the negative predictive value was 84.5%.
Conclusions: Correct humeral rotation is difficult to reproduce when performing minimally invasive surgeries in patients with a diaphyseal fracture. We describe 4 radiological criteria that allow inferring a correct humeral rotation.
 
 
 
 

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How to Cite
Contreras, J. J., Azocar, C., Beltrán, M., Redlich, A., Sánchez, E., & Liendo, R. J. (2021). Radiological Criteria for Rotational Reduction in Humeral Shaft Fractures. Revista De La Asociación Argentina De Ortopedia Y Traumatología, 86(5), 568-574. https://doi.org/10.15417/issn.1852-7434.2021.86.5.1379
Section
Clinical Research
Author Biographies

Julio J. Contreras, Shoulder and Elbow Team, Instituto Traumatológico de Chile, Santiago, Chile. Shoulder and Elbow Team, Orthopedics and Traumatology Department, Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile

Shoulder and Elbow Team, Instituto Traumatológico de Chile, Santiago, Chile Shoulder and Elbow Team, Orthopedics and Traumatology Department, Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile

Camila Azocar, Hand Surgery and Microsurgery, Clínica Indisa, Santiago, Chile

Hand Surgery and Microsurgery, Clínica Indisa, Santiago, Chile

Manuel Beltrán, Shoulder and Elbow Team, Instituto Traumatológico de Chile, Santiago, Chile

Shoulder and Elbow Team, Instituto Traumatológico de Chile, Santiago, Chile

Alex Redlich, Traumatology Service, Hospital “Dr. Hernán Henríquez Aravena”, Temuco, Chile

Traumatology Service, Hospital “Dr. Hernán Henríquez Aravena”, Temuco, Chile

Edmundo Sánchez, Traumatology Service, Hospital “Dr. Hernán Henríquez Aravena”, Temuco, Chile

Traumatology Service, Hospital “Dr. Hernán Henríquez Aravena”, Temuco, Chile

Rodrigo J. Liendo, Shoulder and Elbow Team, Orthopedics and Traumatology Department, Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile

Shoulder and Elbow Team, Orthopedics and Traumatology Department, Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile

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