Comparison of Double Anatomical Locking Compression Plate Versus nonlocked Plates in Distal Humerus Fractures

Abstract

Background: The current literature contains no guidelines for choosing the method of fixation for fractures of the distal humerus. This study aims to compare the functional and radiological outcomes between anatomical locking compression plates and nonlocked reconstruction plates in fractures of the distal humerus (AO type A 3).Methods: This was a prospective cohort study that was conducted between 2015 and 2021 on 60 patients with distal humeral fractures (AO type A 3). There were 30 patients (23 males and 7 females) with a mean age of 40 years and two months who were followed up for 62 months in group 1. The patients in group 1 underwent Open reduction and internal fixation with double anatomical LCP. There were 30 patients (21 males and nine females) with a mean age of 41 years and seven months in group 2. The mean follow-up period was 58 months. Fifteen of the patients in group 2 underwent open reduction and internal fixation with nonlocked plates.Results: There was no significant difference in the degree of extension, flexion, arch of motion, and MEPS between the two groups at the six-month follow-up appointment. There was a highly significant difference between the study groups in the mean union time (3.27 ± 0.46 months vs. 4.27 ± 0.70 months) and time taken to mobilize the elbow joint after surgery (10–14 days [mean 11.33 ± 1.40] vs. 21–30 days [mean 24.87 ± 4.45] days) in groups A and B, respectively.Conclusions: There was no difference in the functional outcomes of distal humeral fractures (AO type A 3), including range of motion and MEPS, between the precontoured anatomical LCP and 3.5-mm nonlocked reconstruction plates. There was improvement in the union time and short postoperative time of mobilization in group 1.