[Treatment of distal humerus fracture with double-plating fixation]

To investigate the method and clinical effect of double-plating fixation in treatment of distal humerus fractures.

From April 2003 to January 2009, 21 patients with distal humerus fracture were treated with limited contact compression plate and reconstruction plate via posterior elbow incision and approach inside and outside the edge of both sides of the triceps. There were 12 males and 9 females, aged from 20 to 63 years (39 years on average). The causes of injury were falling in 13 cases, traffic accident in 6 cases, and falling from height in 2 cases. According to the classification of Association for the Study of Internal Fixation (AO/ASIF), 8 cases were classified as type 12-B1, 2 as type 12-B2, 7 as type 12-B3, 3 as type 13-A2, and 1 as type 13-A3. The course of disease averaged 4.8 days.

Secretion was observed at incision in 1 case 2 weeks after operation, and incision healed after dressing change; other incisions healed by first intention. Transient numbness of ring and little fingers occurred in 2 cases 2 days after operation; no iatrogenic nerve paralysis occurred. All patients were followed up 13 to 18 months (15 months on average). The X-ray films showed bone healed 6 months after operation. No postoperative joint adhesion occurred, and the motion of elbow joint ranged from 0 degrees to 135 degrees. According to Morrey evaluation standard, the results were excellent in 17 cases, good in 2 cases, and fair in 2 case; the excellent and good rate was 90.5%.

Double-plating fixation has the advantages of wide indications, rigid internal fixation, and significant curative effects in treatment of distal humerus fractures.