[Treatment of type C intercondylar fractures of distal humerus using dual plating]

To evaluate the clinical outcome of dual plating in the treatment of humeral intercondylar type-C fractures in adults.

From June 2004 to October 2007, 38 cases of type-C distal humeral fractures were stabilised with dual plating. There were 21 males and 17 females. The average age was 43 years with a range from 21 to 71 years. According to the AO classification, 9 cases were of type C1, 17 of C2 and 12 of C3. The posterior midline approach was selected. Twenty-one cases were exposed through the trans-olecranon osteotomy, 11 through the Campbell (Van Gorder) approach, 6 through triceps sparing approach. Autogenous bone graft was performed in 5 cases because of severe comminution.

Thirty-five patients were followed-up for 14-30 months (mean 24.2 months). At the latest follow-up, the elbow flexion averaged 119 degrees (range 90 degrees - 135 degrees ), and the loss of extension averaged 16.2 degrees (range 5 degrees - 25 degrees ). All the patients got bony healing, the average healing period was 14 weeks. The patients were evaluated using the criteria of Aitken and Rorabeek and the scores were 13 excellent, 16 good, 6 fair. Twenty-nine patients (82.9%) had a good or excellent results. Complications included 4 cases of traumatic osteoarthritis, 2 heterotopic ossification, 1 ulnar neuropathy. Infection as well as loosening or breakage of the implant was not found.

The dual plating is able to provide rigid fixation for the humeral intercondylar fractures. In addition, it can allow early functional exercise after operation, decrease the related complications significantly, and improve the functional results.