Delayed mobilization in distal humerus fractures managed with plating

The optimal timing of postoperative mobilization following surgical fixation of distal humerus fractures remains controversial, particularly in complex intra-articular fractures where concerns regarding fixation stability and elbow stiffness influence rehabilitation strategies. Distal humerus fractures are complex injuries requiring meticulous surgical management to achieve optimal outcomes. This prospective study evaluated 31 patients with closed distal humerus fractures (AO Type 13-C) treated with pre-contoured locking plates, assessing functional recovery using the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) over a 6-month follow-up. The mean patient age was 37.5 years, with road traffic accidents being the predominant cause of fracture. MEPS scores improved significantly from 45.97 at 2 weeks to 72.58 at 6 months, with nearly half of the patients achieving good functional results. Common complications included stiffness, screw prominence, nerve compression and infection. Thus, we show that delayed mobilization following bi-columnar plating provides satisfactory outcomes in distal humerus fractures.