Distal medial tibial locking plate for fixation of extraarticular distal humeral fractures; an alternative choice for fixation

Özet

Objective: The aim of this study was to describe an alternative fixation method for distal humeral extraarticularfractures through posterior approach using distal tibia anatomic locking plate; and to evaluatethe patient's functional outcome and union condition.Methods: Eighteen patients (11 men and 7 women; average age of 37.0 ± 17.3 years (range: 18e73 years))with a distal humeral extra-articular fracture who were treated with distal tibial medial locking platewere included into the study. The mean follow up time was 36.2 ± 16.7 (12e57) months. Functionalresults were evaluated with perception of pain, range of joint motion, grasp and pinch strengths.Results: Union was achieved in 17 of 18 patients. Only one patient had non-union due to infection andunderwent debridement. The mean time for union was 7.8 ± 5.9 months (2e20). Patient perception ofpain was X ¼ 1.88 ± 2.50 and X ¼ 4.55 ± 2.68, respectively, at rest and activity. The active ranges of jointmotion were adequate for functional use. General functional state of affected extremity (DASH-T) wasperfect (X ¼ 27.14 ± 25.66), the performance of elbow joint was good (X ¼ 84.44 ± 11.57). There were nodifferences in the comparison of grasp and pinch grip of patients with uninvolved extremity (p > 0.05).Conclusions: In distal humeral extra-articular fractures, use of distal medial tibia plate has advantagessuch as providing high rates for union, low rates for complication, and early return to work with earlyrehabilitation, therefore it may be considered a fixation choice that can be used for distal humeral extraarticularfractures