ABSTRACT

The current study advocates the use of unicolumnar fixation technique with single oblique metaphyseal locking plate for the treatment of extra-articular distal humerus fractures. These plates have provided promising results as far as fracture union, functional outcomes and rapid recovery rates are concerned. We conducted a retrospective study involving 37patients with extra-articular distal humeral fractures, who attended at the Department of Orthopaedics, IMS & SUM Hospital, Bhubaneswar from July 2017 to June 2020 and operated with unicolumnar oblique locking compression plates were included in the study. Standardised radiographs, functional assessment criteria (DASH Score, MEP Score) and post-operative complications were analysed. In the current study, we included 37 patients of which 21 were male patients and 16 were female patients. The mean age of the participants was 33.6 years (range= 18-63yrs). All patients had adequate fracture healing on follow-up X-ray. The mean duration of surgery was 120.36+/-21.65(110-150) minutes. The mean DASH score at final follow-up was 15.3+/-6(11.5- 30). The mean MEP score at final follow-up was 95.4+/-6(80-100). The mean time taken for complete union was 12.6+/-5.4(11-28) weeks. The management of extra-articular metaphyseal distal humeral fractures by unicolumnar fixation with a single oblique metaphyseal locking plate is a better alternative to bicolumnar fixation. The major advantages of this method of fixation includes adequate stability, better functional outcomes, reduced complication rates, shorter surgical times and less soft tissue injury, hence shorter hospital stay and speedy recovery. Keywords: Extra-articular, distal humerus, Functional outcome, Unicolumnar fixation
Publication date: 01/05/2023

https://ijbpas.com/pdf/2023/May/MS_IJBPAS_2023_7002.pdf

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https://doi.org/10.31032/IJBPAS/2023/12.5.7002