The Clinical and Functional Outcome of Extra-articular Distal Humerus Fracture Treated with Locking Compression Plate

Extra-articular distal humerus fractures account for approximately 16% of all humerus fractures and 3% of adult fractures. These injuries pose significant treatment challenges due to the complex three-dimensional anatomy and the biomechanical demands placed on the distal humerus.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical and functional outcomes of extra-articular distal humerus fractures treated with locking compression plates.

A prospective study was conducted on 90 patients with extra-articular distal humerus fractures who underwent open reduction and internal fixation using an extra-articular distal humerus plate (EADHP) between June 2020 and March 2023. Patients were followed for an average of 7 months. Functional outcomes were assessed using the Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS), Anderson criteria, and disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) score.

The mean patient age was 45.2 years, with a male predominance (71.7%). Road traffic accidents were the most common cause (81.3%). The average time to fracture union was 10 weeks. The mean MEPS was 84, and the mean DASH score was 15.6. According to the Anderson criteria, 84.4% achieved excellent results and 15.6% achieved good results. Complications included elbow stiffness (12.5%), hardware prominence (6.2%), ulnar neuropraxia (6.2%), infection (3.1%), and heterotopic ossification (3.1%).

The EADHP locking compression plate provides excellent stability for extra-articular distal humerus fractures, enabling early mobilization and favorable functional recovery. Its stable construct reduces the risk of implant failure and nonunion, making it a reliable option for these challenging fractures.