Comparative Study for Assessment of Functional Outcome of Intraarticular AO Type C Distal Humerus Fractures Treated by Parallel Plating

BACKGROUND: Complex distal end of humerus fractures are one of the most challenging cases in orthopedics. There is a paucity of literature on outcomes of parallel reconstruction plates using olecranon osteotomy technique along with large sample size. This study focuses primarily on rate of various complications encountered in intraarticular AO Type C distal humerus fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective study, we included 94 patients with isolated closed intraarticular AO type C distal and humerus injuries. Exclusion criteria were polytrauma, open injuries, and pathological fractures (except osteoporosis). The followup was done immediate postoperatively, 6 weeks, 6 months, 1 year and at 2 years. Range of motion (ROM), Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score was recorded at each visit. Assessment of union was done based on X-ray. Patients were classified into two groups; Group 1 – patients without complications (n = 64) and Group 2 – with one or more complications. RESULTS: The average duration of surgery was 2 h and 15 min. The complication rate was 31.9% (30/94), however, a total of 45 complications were noted. The difference between ROM in the two groups was statistically significant (P < 0.05), however, the difference between MEPS and DASH score was not statistically significant. The most common complication found was ulnar nerve neuropathy. CONCLUSION: Parallel plating using olecranon osteotomy is an acceptable approach for this fracture, but due to inherent nature of this injury, it has its own set of complications which must be counseled before surgery and active participation of patient is required to obtain realistic expectations and goals for the future.