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Abstract

Background: Transolecranon distal humerus fractures are uncommon injuries. The purpose of this study is to review the outcomes and complications associated with transolecranon distal humerus fractures. Material and Methods:We performed a systematic search of PubMed for articles published between 1990 and 2021. Included studies reported outcomes and complications of transolecranon distal humerus fractures. Data was extracted from the included studies to describe patient demographics, injury characteristics, outcome measurements, and complications.Results: A total of 4 studies met inclusion criteria for data extraction and analysis. Two studies evaluated an adult cohort of a total of 18 patients. The average Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score was 40 (range 4.2 -76.5). Fifteen patients (83%) had a complication. Elbow stiffness (11/18, 61%) was the most common complication. Eleven patients (61%) underwent more than one procedure. Two studies evaluated a pediatric cohort of a total of 9 patients. Five patients (56%) underwent non-operative treatment with immobilization and four patients (44%) underwent open reduction and internal fixation. There were no complications reported. All the pediatric patients regained near full range of motion of the elbow at their final follow-up. Conclusion:Transolecranon distal humerus fractures are complex elbow injuries. In the adult population, they remain a challenge for orthopaedic surgeons. Complications, including elbow stiffness and infection, are high with frequent long-term functional limitations as represented by DASH scores. In contrast, pediatric patients have good outcomes and minimal complications that are similar to isolated olecranon and distal humerus fractures in children.