A study of functional outcome after osteosynthesis of intercondylar fracture of distal humerus in adults with pre-contoured locking compression plate system

Abstract

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Intra-articular fracture of distal humerus is considerable cause of morbidity in adults. The new pre-contoured LCP system provides better angular stability in fixation of inter-condylar distal humerus fracture.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> A prospective study of 25 patients with distal humerus fracture treated with pre-contoured double plate system is conducted in Department of Orthopaedics, RIMS, Ranchi between April 2017 to March 2018. These patients were followed up 3 weekly in first 3 months, then 6 weekly in next 6 months, then at every 3 month interval. Clinical and functional outcome was evaluated on the basis of Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS).<strong></strong></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> 24 fixed elbows were reviewed at a follow-up period of 1 year. Results obtained were graded on the basis of MEPS, 21 patients (87.5%) were graded excellent to good, fair in 2 patients (8.3%) and poor in 1 case (4.1%). Average time interval between surgery and admission was 9 days (average 4-14 days). All the fractures as well as the olecranon osteotomies united by 10-16 weeks (12.56 weeks). Superficial wound infection and transient ulnar nerve palsy was reported in 3 (12.5%) and 1 (4.16%) respectively and was managed conservatively. 1 patients did not reported in follow up.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> We conclude that osteosynthesis with pre contoured dual plating of closed intracondylar distal humerus fractures provide good fixation and early rehabilitation, leading to high rate of bone union and minimal soft tissue damage.</p>