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BACKGROUND: Intra-articular distal humeral fractures are common, but complex elbow injuries. To obtain good results, anatomical reduction with rigid fixation and early range of mobilization is required. Treatment of these fractures with conventional plates is associated with many complications such as non-anatomic reduction of articular surfaces, malunion, nonunion, loosening of implant, residual stiffness of the elbow and post-traumatic osteoarthrosis. In this situation the application of locking plates having a fixed angle plate screw construct can minimise most of the above complications. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate radiological and functional outcome of locking plate application for the management of intra-articular distal humeral fractures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This prospective study was conducted from January 2013 to December 2014. We operated 20 patients of AO type-C intra-articular distal humeral fractures. Fracture was exposed using modified Campbell's posterior approach in less comminuted fractures and a V-shaped Olecranon osteotomy was done to get better exposure of the articular surface in cases with severe articular comminution. The fracture was stabilized using an intercondylar screw, pre-contoured locking compression plates and/or locking reconstruction plates as per preoperative planning. Patients were reviewed at monthly interval for clinicalradiological evaluation. Final outcome measures included radiological assessment, range of motion and Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS). RESULTS: All the fractures were united at an average 12 weeks. Two patients developed numbness in the distribution of ulnar nerve and one patient developed superficial infection in immediate postoperative period. None of the patients had malunion and loosening of implant. The average arc of flexion-extension was 105`, although no patient had loss of supination/pronation. Mayo Elbow Performance Score was excellent in 15 (75%), good in 3 (15%), fair in 1 (5%) and poor in 1 (5%). CONCLUSION:The locking plate is a useful implant for the treatment of complete articular (type-c) distal humeral fractures.

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