INTRODUCTION: Open reduction and internal fixation of multifragmentary intra-articular fractures of the distal humerus often do not provide satisfactory results in elderly patients with osteoporosis. METHOD: From December 2001 to January 2008 a total elbow arthroplasty (Coonrad-Morrey, Zimmer, USA) was performed on 12 patients (average age 81+/-9 ears) who presented with a type C distal humeral fracture. The mean time of follow-up with clinical and radiological assessment was 28+/-17 months. RESULTS: The Mayo score showed a good functional result with an average of 81+/-9 out of 100. DASH and SECEC scores showed a fair result with respect to elbow function (43+/-8 and 68+/-7 points, respectively). The average range of motion of all patients was 120-33-0 degrees. Heterotopic ossifications were found by X-ray examination in 4 cases and asymptomatic radiolucent lines in 4 cases. CONCLUSION: Primary total elbow arthroplasty for complex intra-articular distal humerus fractures in elderly patients has good functional results and is an alternative to osteosynthesis.
INTRODUCTION: Open reduction and internal fixation of multifragmentary intra-articular fractures of the distal humerus often do not provide satisfactory results in elderly patients with osteoporosis. METHOD: From December 2001 to January 2008 a total elbow arthroplasty (Coonrad-Morrey, Zimmer, USA) was performed on 12 patients (average age 81+/-9 ears) who presented with a type C distal humeral fracture. The mean time of follow-up with clinical and radiological assessment was 28+/-17 months. RESULTS: The Mayo score showed a good functional result with an average of 81+/-9 out of 100. DASH and SECEC scores showed a fair result with respect to elbow function (43+/-8 and 68+/-7 points, respectively). The average range of motion of all patients was 120-33-0 degrees. Heterotopic ossifications were found by X-ray examination in 4 cases and asymptomatic radiolucent lines in 4 cases. CONCLUSION: Primary total elbow arthroplasty for complex intra-articular distal humerus fractures in elderly patients has good functional results and is an alternative to osteosynthesis.
Authors: Michael D McKee; Christian J H Veillette; Jeremy A Hall; Emil H Schemitsch; Lisa M Wild; Robert McCormack; Bertrand Perey; Thomas Goetz; Mauri Zomar; Karyn Moon; Scott Mandel; Shirlet Petit; Pierre Guy; Irene Leung Journal: J Shoulder Elbow Surg Date: 2008-09-26 Impact factor: 3.019
Authors: C Michael Robinson; Richard M F Hill; Neal Jacobs; Graham Dall; Charles M Court-Brown Journal: J Orthop Trauma Date: 2003-01 Impact factor: 2.512
Authors: Mark A Frankle; Dolfi Herscovici; Thomas G DiPasquale; Matthew B Vasey; Roy W Sanders Journal: J Orthop Trauma Date: 2003-08 Impact factor: 2.512