Osteosynthesis of AO 13C distal humerus fractures using locking plates

Background: Fractures of distal humerus account for about 2%-6% of all fractures and 30% of all elbow fractures. Management of distal humerus fractures in adults is challenging. We aimed to evaluate functional and radiological outcome of surgical treatment of AO 13C distal humerus fractures in adults using locking plates. Materials and methods: This is a prospective observational study conducted from October 2016 to September 2017 at a tertiary care center, after obtaining the institutional ethical clearance and written informed consent from patients. Around 32 adult patients (18 years to 75 years) undergoing surgical treatment for AO 13C distal humerus fractures were studied. Results: The mean age was 43.75 ± 14.61 years ranging over 20-74 years. There were 15 Female and 17 Male patients in our study. There were 10 patients with type C1, 12 patients with type C2 and 10 patients with type C3 fractures in our study. Mean duration for radiological evidence for fracture union was 10.45 ± 1.43 weeks. Superficial infection in 1 patient, olecranon TBW breakage in 1 patient due to re-trauma, loss of follow up in 1 patient and elbow stiffness in 3 patients. Depending on mayo elbow performance score we had excellent results in 16 patients, good results in 11 patients, 4 patients had fair results and lost follow up of 1 patient. Conclusion: Internal fixation of intra-articular distal humerus (AO type C) fractures using double column locking plates is effective in ensuring stability of fixation and thereby permitting early range of motion resulting in good to excellent functional outcomes.