[Meta analysis of parallel versus perpendicular double plating for distal humerus fracture of type C in adults]

Objective: To evaluate the effects of parallel versus perpendicular double plating for distal humerus fracture of type C. Methods: A standardized comprehensive literature search was performed by PubMed, Embase, Cochrane library, CMB, CNKI and Medline datebase.Randomized controlled studies on comparison between parallel versus perpendicular double plating for distal humerus fracture of type C before December 2015 were enrolled in the study.All date were analyzed by the RevMan 5.2 software. Results: Six studies, including 284 patients, met the inclusion criteria.There were 155 patients in perpendicular double plating group, 129 patients in parallel double plating group.The results of Meta-analysis indicated that there were statistically significant difference between the two groups in complications (OR=2.59, 95%CI: 1.03 to 6.53, P=0.04). There was no significant difference between the two groups in surgical duration (MD=-1.84, 95% CI: -9.06 to 5.39, P=0.62), bone union time (MD=0.09, 95%CI: -0.06 to 0.24, P=0.22), Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MD=0.09, 95%CI: -0.06 to 0.24, P=0.22), Range of Motions (MD=-0.92, 95%CI: -4.65 to 2.81, P=0.63) and the rate of excellent and good results (OR=0.64, 95%CI: 0.27 to 1.52, P=0.31). Conclusion: Both perpendicular and parallel double plating are effective in distal humerus fracture of type C, parallel double plating has less complications.