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Updated: May 16, 2026

10:10
Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty
Published on: July 5, 2011
Intra-articular distal humerus fractures
Anna N Miller1, Daphne M Beingessner
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157-1070, USA.
The Orthopedic Clinics of North America
|November 24, 2012
Summary
Distal humeral fractures are rare but treatable with proper surgical planning. For complex cases in elderly patients, total elbow arthroplasty may be a better option than traditional fixation.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Traumatology
Background:
- Distal humeral fractures are uncommon and challenging injuries.
- Effective management requires careful preoperative assessment and surgical skill.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline the management of distal humeral fractures.
- To discuss surgical considerations and alternative treatments for specific patient groups.
Main Methods:
- Review of surgical techniques for distal humeral fracture fixation.
- Consideration of total elbow arthroplasty for select patients.
Main Results:
- Good outcomes are achievable with appropriate surgical planning and technique.
- Patient counseling regarding potential loss of motion is crucial.
Conclusions:
- Most distal humeral fractures can be successfully treated surgically.
- Total elbow arthroplasty is a viable alternative for elderly, osteoporotic patients with severe comminution.
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