Long-Term Functional Outcomes and Complications of Intra-Articular (AO type B, C) Distal Humerus Fractures in Adults: A Retrospective Review

Introduction Treatment of intra-articular fractures of the distal humerus is challenging due to their complexity, comminution, and associated complications. The evolution of surgical approaches and the design of elbow-specific implants over the last decades have failed to improve clinical and radiological outcomes. Studies are sparse regarding the long-term influence of surgical treatment of these types of fractures in the upper limb function. The purpose of the current study was to retrospectively review the long-term functional outcome and complications of all intraarticular (AO type B, C) distal humerus fractures treated surgically in a university hospital during the last 25 years. Material and methods The study included patients who were surgically treated for an intra-articular distal humerus fracture between March 1991 and May 2016. Our initial search, using ICD-10 codes, identified 63 patients in the specific time period. Twelve patients had died, nine declined to participate, eight had emigrated, nine could not be located and one patient was excluded as he suffered from quadriplegia unrelated to the initial injury. The remaining 25 patients (mean age at surgery 44.2±19.67) were included in a follow-up study protocol. Functional outcome was evaluated according to Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), Oxford Elbow Score (OES), and the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire (QuickDASH). Pain was assessed using the Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and subjects were asked to rate their satisfaction. Perioperative and late complications were recorded as well. Results The average follow-up was 158.16 ± 73.73 months. The average score was 89.4 ± 12.36 for MEPS, 42.68 ± 4.03 for OES, and 8.1 ± 15.38 for the QuickDASH. The patient satisfaction was rated 3.8 ± 1.08 on average. The mean flexion of the affected elbow was 137.6 ± 12.68 degrees while extension deficit was present in 14/25 patients, with a mean of 8.6 ± 8.96 degrees. We did not observe any mal- or non-unions. The re-operation rate was 32% primarily due to stiffness and irritation from the hardware. We noticed one spontaneously resolved ulnar nerve palsy, one combined radial, and ulnar nerve palsy after extensive arthrolysis that also resolved two cases of heterotopic ossification, one case of implant failure, and two cases of infection - one superficial, which was managed with antibiotics, and the other was deep managed with surgical drainage. Conclusions In our series, we found a satisfying range of motion, good functional outcome, and adequate ability to perform daily activities at a very long follow-up. Posttraumatic arthritis, whenever present, does not seriously affect functional performance. Level of evidence: IV