[Functional results of two different surgical approaches in patients with distal humerus fractures type C (AO)]

The fractures of distal humerus present a world incidence of the 2%, stiff and painful joints are common consequences of these injuries. We used two surgical approaches for the treatment of these fractures, one with olecranon osteotomy and one with triceps split.

To compare the functional results in patients with fractures AO type C treated surgically by means of both approaches.

A retrolective, observational, comparative study in patients with distal humerus fracture AO type C diagnosis. We used the elbow functional scale of our unit for measuring clinical status. We compared the results of consolidated fractures of patients from 18 to 65 years old treated with osteosynthesis in the period from March 2002 through February 2004.

Nineteen patients were included (11 women and 8 men), mean age of 49.3. Triceps split approach: t: 1 patient (8.4%) had excellent, 2 good (16.6%), 4 regular (33.4%) and 5 poor (41.6%) results; for the olecranon osteotomy approach 7 poor results were found (p = 0.2270 exact fisher's test).

Were found clinically better functional outcome in patients treatment with of triceps split, was not found statistical significance this was because the size of the groups and the clinical scale score that was used in this unit.

We recommend the utilization of the approach of triceps split by presenting better functional results.