Treatment of comminuted distal humeral intercondylar fracture using transolecranon approach

Lee, Kwang Hyun; Park, Myung Ryul; Lee, Jae Min; Kweon, Tae Hyoung

Abstract

Fracture of the distal humerus is rare, so the surgeons experience is limited. This injuries represent a constellation of complex articular fractures and anatomic complexity of distal humerus makes surgical treatment, open reduction and internal fixation is difficult. We analyze the clinical result of immediate open reduction, rigid internal fixation, and early postoperative motion. From Nov. 1990 to Sep. 1997, the authors analyzed the clinical results of 5 cases those who underwent operative treatment using transolecranon approach, internal fixation with Y plate and early motion for comminuted distal humeral intercondylar fracture. ROM exercise was started at average 2.2 weeks postoperatively. 4 of 5 patients obtained satisfactory results by Riseborough and Radin rating criteria. One patient obtained poor result of 40 degree flexion contracture and 90 degree further flexion of elbow. Transolecranon approach makes the complete anatomic reduction of articular surface possible and the satisfactory results is associated with immediate, complete anatomic reduction and rigid fixation in conjuction with early postoperative motion.