Lateral epicondyle osteotomy approach for coronal shear fractures of the distal humerus: Report of three cases and review of the literature

BACKGROUND Coronal shear fractures of the distal humerus are rare injuries and are technically challenging to manage. Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) has become the preferred treatment because it provides anatomical reduction, stable internal fixation, and early motion, but the optimal surgical approach remains controversial. CASE SUMMARY We report three cases of coronal shear fractures of the distal humerus treated successfully by ORIF via a novel surgical approach, in which lateral epicondyle osteotomy was performed based on the extended lateral approach. We named the novel surgical approach the lateral epicondyle osteotomy approach. All patients underwent surgical treatment and were discharged successfully. All patients had excellent functional results according to the Mayo elbow performance score. The average range of motion was 118 degrees in flexion/extension and 172 degrees in pronation/ supination. Only case 2 had a complication, which was implant prolapse. CONCLUSION We demonstrated that the lateral epicondyle osteotomy approach in ORIF is effective and safe for coronal shear fractures of the distal humerus.