[Fractures of the lower end of the humerus in adults: influence of per- and postoperative tactics on results. Apropos of 70 osteosyntheses].

Results in 70 cases of osteosynthesis of lower end of humerus in adults were analyzed as a function of the fracture line, and the operative (approach route, type of support, attitude towards ulnar nerve transposition) and postoperative (with or without plaster immobilization) tactics. Best results were obtained in simple joint fractures (condyles, capitellum, Hahn Steinthal) with a good outcome in 89% of cases, while prognosis was poorer (68.5% of delayed good results) in more or less comminuted supra- or inter-condylar fractures (41 cases). Results are better in these latter types of fracture when an extra-articular trans-olecranon posterior approach is used. Ulnar nerve transposition was performed 43 times without adverse effects and osteosynthesis by 2 posterior screw plates (one on external and one on internal column) in 50% of cases. Valid comparison of results with or without postoperative plaster immobilization was not possible since only 8 patients were not plastered.