Stable osteosynthesis by the AO method in comminuted intra-articular fractures of the distal humerus

The authors report their experience between 1982 and 1986 in 16 cases of comminuted supraintercondylar fractures of the elbow treated by stable osteosynthesis using the AO method with immediate or early mobilisation. They illustrate the technical possibility of obtaining stable synthesis even in fractures with numerous fragments and analyse the long-term functional results. Because of the severity of the fracture, none of the patients recovered full flexion and extension of the elbow; nonetheless in all the patients there was recovery of at least 90 degrees of movement and, most importantly, this occurred in the most useful range of movement. These results, and the time required for healing, amply justify the use of solid synthesis in fractures where the alternative would be arthroplasty.