Osteosynthesis of Complex Fractures of the Distal Humerus. Our Experience

Main Article Content

Fabián Enrique Muñoz
Emmanuel Julio Lisandro Rosso Guiñazu

Abstract

Objective: To describe the results obtained in the treatment of distal humerus fractures by open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) and to reflect whether the approach used had an impact on the functional outcome.
Materials and Methods: We carried out a retrospective case study of 19 patients with a diagnosis of complex distal humerus fracture who were treated with ORIF from 2015 to 2021. Periodic radiographic controls were performed and the functional outcome was evaluated using internationally known scales such as the DASH and Mayo Elbow performance Score (MEPS), then the variables obtained were extrapolated using statisticalsoftware.
Results: A 100% consolidation rate was achieved; in 7 patients (37%), the Alonso Llames approach was used and in 12 cases (63%), we performed an olecranon osteotomy. The average DASH was 11.31, which determined mild disabilities. The MEPS obtained was excellent in 1 patient (5.26%), good in 10 (52,6%), fair in 7 (36.84%), and poor in 1(5.26%). When comparing the results obtained through the different approaches a P = 0.4197 was obtained in the ANOVA test and P =0.4723 in the Mann-Whitney/Wilcoxon Two sample Test.
Conclusions: We conclude that ORIF is effective in the treatment of complex fractures of the distal humerus, allowing the surgeon to obtain good post-surgical results. In this series, the average DASH was 11.31, with excellent and good results in 57% of the patients. We found no statistically significant difference regarding the choice of one approach or the other.

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How to Cite
Muñoz, F. E., & Rosso Guiñazu, E. J. L. (2022). Osteosynthesis of Complex Fractures of the Distal Humerus. Our Experience. Revista De La Asociación Argentina De Ortopedia Y Traumatología, 87(4), 517-525. https://doi.org/10.15417/issn.1852-7434.2022.87.4.1548
Section
Clinical Research
Author Biographies

Fabián Enrique Muñoz, Orthopedics and Traumatology Service, Policlínico Neuquén, Neuquén, Argentina

Orthopedics and Traumatology Service, Policlínico Neuquén, Neuquén, Argentina

Emmanuel Julio Lisandro Rosso Guiñazu, Orthopedics and Traumatology Service, Policlínico Neuquén, Neuquén, Argentina

Orthopedics and Traumatology Service, Policlínico Neuquén, Neuquén, Argentina

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