Publication:

Results of surgical treatment of fractures of the distal humerus at the Brazzaville university hospital

Background The objective of the study was to evaluate the functional and anatomical results of the surgical treatment of fractures of the distal humerus at Brazzaville University Hospital using non-anatomical plates.

Methods This was a retrospective study of patients operated by screwed plates for fracture of the distal humerus at Brazzaville University Hospital between January 2014 and December 2017. The study included 11 patients operated by non-anatomical plates and responding the inclusion criteria. Fractures of the distal humerus were distributed according to the AO classification of Müller and Nazarian. The functional results were evaluated according to the Mayo Clinic score based on 4 criteria: pain, mobility bow, stability and functional capacity.

Results There were 8 men and 3 women. The average age was 35 years (range 23 to 50 years). Causes of the trauma were a road accident in 7 patients and a fall in 4 patients. The site involved in the trauma was lateral right in 7 patients and left in 4 patients. The average time to surgery was 7 days (range 5 to 12 days). All our patients have consolidated in first intention. The average time to consolidation was 3 months (range 3 to 4 months). Results at the average follow-up of 9 months were considered excellent in 3 patients, good in 6 patients and average in 2 patients.

Conclusions Osteosynthesis of fractures of the distal humerus remains a challenge in developing countries. Our experience shows that surgical treatment of fractures of the distal humerus by non-anatomic plates can give good results when bone stabilization is satisfactory and rehabilitation is undertaken early.