Comparison between Transolecranon Approach and Posterior Approach in Comminuted Intercondylar Fracture of the Distal Humerus

Rah, Soo Kyoon; Kim, Sang Ki; Choi, Joong Geun; Kim, Yon Il; Choi, Chang Uk

Abstract

The comminuted iniercondyiar fractvre of the distal humeruf is rather uncommon injury. Because of anatomic complexity of the distal humerus, any incongrousness makes loss of function of the elbow joint. Hence, for the complete restoration of the articular surface and joint nlotion, wide exposure is necessary, while stable internal fixation and early post operative exercise should be conducted. With the frefuency of comminution and displacement, this intraarticular fracture is difficult to treat. But the fabrication of new implants and development of surgical approach method has increased the reliability of operative stabilization. The authors compared 36 patients of distal humeral fracture treated with transolecranon approach and Campbells posterior approach at the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. College of Medicine, Soonchunhyang University from Dec. 1991 to Oct. 1994 and following results were obtained. In transolecranon approach, the operation time was slightly longer with technical difficulties. However, we had excellent exposure of posterior aspect of lower end of the humerus and had a good range of motion, especially in flexion contracture compared with posterior approach. Also, we hardly observed complications of fracture of the olecranon in transolecranon approach.