F Martetschlaeger1, S Siebenlist2, G Sandmann2, T Kraus2, U Stoeckle2, M Lucke2. 1. Department of Traumatology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, TU München, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany. frank.martetschlaeger@gmx.de. 2. Department of Traumatology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, TU München, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Osteoporotic fractures in the elderly are often complicated by delayed union, pseudarthrosis or implant failure and are associated with considerable morbidity and prolonged reconvalescence. At present there is cumulating recommendation to treat this kind of fractures with angular stable implants. CASE PRESENTATION: Herein, we report on the successful definitive treatment of a displaced comminuted spiral-fracture of the distal humerus shaft in an 89-year-old woman after two attempts of internal fixation with angular stable implants had failed in severely osteoporotic bone. CONCLUSION: The present case illustrates the problems we have faced with after a single locking plate fixation, especially in poor bone, and shows a possible solution by performing a double(-locking)-plate fixation.
INTRODUCTION:Osteoporotic fractures in the elderly are often complicated by delayed union, pseudarthrosis or implant failure and are associated with considerable morbidity and prolonged reconvalescence. At present there is cumulating recommendation to treat this kind of fractures with angular stable implants. CASE PRESENTATION: Herein, we report on the successful definitive treatment of a displaced comminuted spiral-fracture of the distal humerus shaft in an 89-year-old woman after two attempts of internal fixation with angular stable implants had failed in severely osteoporotic bone. CONCLUSION: The present case illustrates the problems we have faced with after a single locking plate fixation, especially in poor bone, and shows a possible solution by performing a double(-locking)-plate fixation.
Authors: Jan Korner; Gerd Diederichs; Michael Arzdorf; Helmut Lill; Christoph Josten; Erich Schneider; Berend Linke Journal: J Orthop Trauma Date: 2004 May-Jun Impact factor: 2.512