The aim of distal humerus fracture treatment is articular surface reduction and stable fixation for early mobilisation and rehabilitation. This is usually performed by open reduction and internal fixation with plates. In the elderly osteoporotic patient this treatment is difficult to achieve due to fixation failure in fragile bone. We present our experience with treatment by closed reduction and external fixation with a non-bridging ring fixator in distal humerus fractures in elderly patients. There were ten females, aged 70-89 (average 78.4). Fracture types (AO/ ASIF) included three supracondylar fractures (type A) and seven intercondylar fractures (type C). All patients were treated by closed reduction and external fixation with a non-bridging ring fixator of the distal humerus and immediate postoperative mobilisation of the elbow. External fixation was removed on an average of 72 days (range 62-90). All fractures united. Average time to union was 56 days. Average range of movement at six months was 22°e xtension lag (range 15°-30°) and 115°flexion (range 110°-120°). Complications included one patient with transient radial palsy and one patient with a superficial decubitus ulcer on the chest wall from the hardware. Minimally invasive treatment by closed reduction and external fixation with a ring fixator is effective for treatment of fractures of the distal humerus in elderly patients with osteoporotic bone. This treatment enables immediate mobilisation of the elbow, and allows return to function. It should be considered an alternative to open reduction and internal fixation or total elbow replacement.

This article discusses the treatment of recurrent flexion-contracture of the knee after circumferential burns involving the entire limb. A two-team approach to surgery is used: the orthopedic team widely excises the scar tissue and releases tendons, muscles, and adjacent soft tissue that limit joint movement. The microsurgery team covers the exposed popliteal neurovascular elements with a latissimus dorsi free flap. However, full range of the knee is still limited by the short neurovascular bundle. Therefore, the orthopedic team applies a circular hinged Iliazarov external-fixator-frame to achieve gradual correction, until full range of the knee is achieved. Intensive physiotherapy and continuing use of extension splints for additional 6 months until the scars are deemed stable compliment the treatment regimen and prevent the recurrence of contractures. Between the years 2002 and 2003, we treated four patients (totaling five knee joints) with recurrent severe flexion-contractures after circumferential burns of the entire lower extremity. A significant limitation was caused by the abnormal scarring, which left the patients confined to a wheelchair. In all our patients, previous attempts to release the flexion-contracture failed. With the aforementioned technique, within 3 months after the procedure, all patients were able to walk. We encountered one major complication (ie, drop foot). At follow-up, all patients enjoyed a full range of motion and were able to walk. The strength of our approach comes from combining a free muscle flap with an Iliazarov external fixation and a detailed postoperative rehabilitation plan.

No abstract