Operative Management of Intra-Articular Fractures of Distal Humerus in Adult

OBJECTIVE: To assess the results of operative treatment of intra-articular fractures of distal humerus in adult. METHODOLOGY: This descriptive, non-randomized, uncontrolled study using convenience sampling technique was carried out at Fatima Hospital Baqai Medical University and Jinnah Medical College Hospital's Orthopedic Departments between March 2012 and Feb 2016. The study was based on a total of 20 patients with an AO Type C; Closed and Open-Gustilo Type-I fractures of distal humerus. The age range of participants was between 18 to 52 years (inclusive) and belonged to both sexes. All patients were operated under general anaesthesia. Trans-olecranon and posterior Campbell's approaches were used. Fractures were secured through reconstruction or dynamic compression plates and inter-fragmentary screws. Posterior splint was applied post-operatively. SPSS version 20 was used to analyze the data received after following up from the patients under study. RESULTS: Evaluations of the patients were done as per the guidelines of Mayo Elbow Performance (MEP) Score. The results were excellent in 10%, good in 60%, fair in 25%; and poor in 5% cases. CONCLUSION: For adults, stable internal fixation of intra-articular fractures of distal humerus is termed as gold standard. It requires adequate surgical exposure, careful operative planning, anatomical reduction of articular fragments and early active rehabilitation.