Comparative study of functional outcomes between OTA/AO type C, Gustilo type I/II open fractures and closed fractures of the distal humerus treated by open reduction and internal fixation

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the difference of functional outcomes between OTA/AO type C, Gustilo type I/II open fractures and closed fractures of the distal humerus after open reduction and internal fixation. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of patients with OTA/AO-C distal humerus fractures who were treated in our department from January 2014 to December 2016. The patients were divided into an open fracture group and a closed fracture group. Their baseline characteristics and functional outcomes were analyzed and compared. RESULTS: A total of 64 patients treated by operative fixation were identified (25 open and 39 closed injuries), and the average follow-up time was 35.1 ± 13.6 months. There were no significant differences in the range of motion (ROM) of the elbow, Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score, complications, hospitalization time, operation time, intraoperative blood loss, or medical costs between the two groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: OTA/AO type C, Gustilo I/II distal humeral open fractures can yield satisfactory clinical results similar to those of closed distal humeral fractures after open reduction and internal fixation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III; Retrospective Cohort Comparison; Treatment Study.