Clinical Results of Open Reduction and Internal Fixation in the Coronal Plane Articular Fracture of the Distal Humerus

Abstract

Purpose:The purpose of this study is to evaluate the surgical outcomes according to the Ring's classification system in patients with the distal humeral coronal plane articular fracture after treatment with open reduction and internal fixation (OR/IF). Materials and Methods:Patients with the distal humeral coronal plane articular fracture treated with OR/IF in the three hospitals were reviewed retrospectively. The patients were evaluated clinically and radiographically according to the Ring's classification system. Results: Eleven patients, including three males and eight female patients, with a mean age of 55 years (15-88 years) were enrolled in this study. Average Mayo elbow performance score was 85 (60-100), four patients had excellent, four had good, and three had fair results. Fracture union was achieved in ten of 11 patients who underwent open reduction and internal fixation. In the analysis of the results according to Ring's classification, patients presenting fracture of the posterior aspect of the lateral column showed worse clinical results than those who did not. It was the same for the patient presenting fracture of the posterior aspect of the trochlea. Conclusion:The open reduction and internal fixation provides good clinical and radiologic outcomes for the distal humeral coronal plane articular fracture. Our results suggest that the type of fracture involvement with posterior aspect of trochlear or capitellum can result in poor clinical outcomes.