Paratricipital approach for distal humerus fractures

To report functional outcomes in a case series of distal shaft and distal humeral fractures (AO type 12 and 13) managed with open reduction and internal fixation using paratricipital approach.

Patients who were intervened between May 2006 and December 2015 were included in the analysis. The Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score and the visual analogue scale (VAS) were used for functional assessment.

Twelve patients were included in this case series, eight (67%) of them were women. The average age was 46 (SD 22). Regarding the type of fracture, three (25%) were classified as 12A1, two (17%) as 12B1, two (17%) as 12B2, three (25%) as 13C1 and two (17%) as 13C2. At most recent average follow-up of 3, 4 years (DS 1,62), the results were: elbow range of flexion-extension 138,3º (SD 15,18), MEPS reached 85,8 (DS 11,7), DASH of 11,8 (SD 10,6) and the mean VAS 1,3 (SD 1,1). At the final evaluation, all fractures had healed. One case presented radial nerve neuropraxia, three cases paresthesias at the ulnar nerve territory, and all of these evolved positively and spontaneously.

In our experience, posterior paratricipital approach is useful and safe for managing the open reduction and internal fixation. It may provide preservation of the triceps and promote an earlier rehabilitation. Functional outcomes were satisfactory in this case series.