Distal Humeral Fractures in Adults

Distal humeral fractures in adults often pose a challenge to the orthopaedic surgeon. Preoperative planning, minimal devitalization of bone and soft tissue, and adherence to the prerequisites of biomechanical fixation are all important elements in effecting the desired end result. The chevron modification of the olecranon osteotomy affords excellent surgical exposure of the joint surface for fractures with an intra-articular component. When two plates are used to fix the lateral and medial distal humeral columns, it is best to orient them so that, when looked at in cross section, they are at right angles to each other. The achievement and maintenance of an anatomic reduction secure enough to permit early functional, pain-free motion of the elbow can be best ensured by open reduction and internal fixation with careful attention to detail.