A Comparative Study of the Functional Outcomes Between Distal Humerus Intra-articular Fractures Treated With Lateral...

Background Distal humerus fractures are complex injuries that pose significant challenges to orthopedic surgeons. Open reduction and internal fixation remain the mainstay of treatment. This study compared the clinical outcomes of intra-articular distal humerus fractures (excluding Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen (AO) type 13-C3) treated with two fixation methods. Methods A total of 60 patients with intra-articular distal humerus fractures were included. Group I (n=30) underwent bicolumnar distal humerus plating, while Group II (n=30) underwent lateral column plating with intercondylar screw and percutaneous medial column screw fixation. Outcomes assessed included average arc of motion, union rate, and complications. Results In Group I, 18 patients (60%) achieved full arc of motion, 22 patients (73.3%) achieved fracture union, six patients (20%) developed infected non-union, and two patients (6.7%) had ulnar nerve palsy. In Group II, 28 patients (93.3%) regained full arc of motion, all achieved fracture union, and no major complications were observed. Conclusion Both fixation methods provided adequate stability and anatomic reconstruction; however, Group II demonstrated superior functional outcomes, higher union rates, and fewer complications compared to Group I.