Management of complex joint fractures of the distal end of the humerus in subjects over 60 years of age prospective study of 31 patients (minimum setback of 1 year)

Abstract

Leila Nebchi1*,and Nouara Yala2

Introduction: The management of distal humerus fractures in adult is surgical. The purpose of this study was to assess the results of internal fixation of these fractures with two reconstruction plates though a posterior approach. Materials and methods: This study involved 31 in-patients between January 2021 and december 2022. It was ten men and twenty-one women with a mean age of 73 years (60-85 years). The fractures were classified according to AO system in A3 (n=5), C1 (n=17), C2 (n=7), and C3 (n=2). The surgical approach was posterior with an olecran on osteotomy (n=27), and a trans-tricipital incision (n=4). Internal fixation was realized with reconstruction plates placed in parallel (n=24), and perpendicular (n=7). The results were assessed according to the Elbow Performance Score. Results: All fractures consolidated within an average time of 45 days. The outcome was excellent (n=9), good (n=14), fair (n=5), and poor (n=3). Related complications were a superficial infection (n=0) and an elbow stiffness (n=2). Conclusion: Distal humerus fractures plating through a posterior approach gives excellent and good results.