Comparison of olecranon osteotomy and paratricipital approach in distal humerus intra-articular fracture: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Surgical outcomes of the paratricipital approach (PT) and olecranon osteotomy (OO) for the treatment of distal humerus intra-articular fracture have been reported. However, there is no consensus regarding which approach is better in terms of functional outcomes and complications. This study aimed to compare the operation time, functional outcomes, and complications of OO and PT. Methods: The databases of MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library were systematically searched for studies published before June 1, 2021. We performed synthetic analysis of the operation time, functional outcomes, and incidence of complication after the conduct of OO group or PT group in patients with distal humerus intra-articular fractures. Results: Five studies were included representing a total of 243 patients who underwent surgery for distal humerus intra-articular fractures. A pooled analysis showed that there was a longer operation time in the OO group compared with the PT group (mean difference [MD] = 13.32, 95% CI: 3.78-22.87; P = .006). There was no significant difference between the functional outcomes of the OO and PT groups (elbow flexion: MD = 2.4, 95% CI: -0.82 to 5.79, P = .14; elbow extension: MD = 0.36, 95% CI: -2.20 to 2.92, P = .78; elbow arc of motion: MD = 0.40, 95% CI: -4.05 to 4.84, P = .86; Mayo Elbow Performance score: MD = -1.37, 95% CI: -4.73 to 1.98, P = .42). The incidence of infection was significantly higher in the OO group compared with that of the PT group (odds ratio [OR] = 3.82, 95% CI: 1.03-14.16, P = .04). There was no significant difference between the 2 groups in terms of the heterotopic ossification and ulnar neuropathy (OR = 1.85, 95% CI: 0.51-6.71, P = .35 and OR = 2.74, 95% CI: 0.60-12.48, P = .19, respectively). Conclusions: Since the choice of surgical approach does not influence outcomes, surgeons can base their choice of approach on the basis of their own experience and familiarity with the procedure and the need to visualize the entire articular surface in complex intra-articular fracture patterns.