Publication:

Functional outcome of AO type C distal humerus fractures treated with internal fixation using olecranon osteotomy in a tertiary care hospital

Background Distal humerus fractures are commonly encountered in the orthopedic emergency. The goals in the treatment of these fractures are aimed at perfect anatomical reduction which could be obtained by open reduction and internal fixation.

Methods A prospective cohort study was conducted from July 2019 to December 2020 in Government Medical College, Jammu on 35 patients with AO type C distal humerus fractures. Functional outcomes were recorded and evaluated at end of 6 months using mayo elbow performance score (MEPS) score. 3 patients were lost in the follow up and were not included in the study.

Results 32 patients in the age group 20-65 years were included in the study with a mean age of 42.5 years. Males outnumbered females in ratio of 3:1. Patients undergoing olecranon osteotomy for fixation of distal humerus fractures had mean elbow flexion (121±8.3), loss of elbow extension (10.3±4.2). The functional outcome was made using MEPS score with a mean of 84±8.4 at final follow up.

Conclusions In this study we concluded that olecranon osteotomy approach provided better outcome. Intraarticular distal humerus fractures was better visualized with olecranon osteotomy approach and allowed early mobilization.