Precontoured Parallel Plate Fixation of AO/OTA Type C Distal Humerus Fractures

Objectives: To determine the clinical effectiveness of precontoured parallel plating for the management of Orthopaedic Trauma Association (OTA) type C distal humerus fractures. Design: Retrospective case series. Setting: Level I trauma center. Patients/Participants: Between 2001 and 2005, 37 patients with OTA type C distal humerus fractures underwent open reduction and internal fixation exclusively with the Mayo Elbow Congruent Plating system. Thirty-two patients consented to participate in the study. Intervention: All patients underwent open reduction and internal fixation with a precontoured bicolumn parallel plating system. Main Outcome Measurements: Range of motion, Mayo Elbow Performance Score, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score (DASH), complication rate, and radiographic evaluation. Results: At a mean of 27 months follow up, the mean arc of elbow flexion-extension motion was 97 degrees (range, 10 degrees-145 degrees). The mean Mayo Elbow Performance Score was 82 points and the mean DASH score was 24 points. There were no implant failures and all distal humerus fractures healed. A total of 24 complications occurred in 17 patients (53%) with five patients (16%) having postoperative nerve injuries. Conclusions: open reduction and internal fixation with a precontoured parallel plating system is an effective treatment method for OTA type C distal humerus fractures. Despite this, the fact that over half of the patients had a significant complication will require utmost vigilance on the part of the surgeon to avoid intraoperative complications. Patient counseling is paramount.