Abstract
Objective: To determine the outcome of a
precontoured locking compression plate in
patients with distal humerus intra-articular
fracture.
Methodology: From January to December 2018,
patients with distal humerus intraarticular fracture
who underwent open reduction and fixation with a
precontoured blocked plate were included in this
study. The final union and functional outcomes
were assessed at 12 weeks. Radiological union
and functional outcomes of good to excellent
performance were considered as an acceptable
outcome. The presence of dense callus at the
fracture site and disappearance of the fracture line
on X-ray was taken as a union. The functional
outcome was assessed by Mayo Elbow
Performance Score. Keywords: Intra-articular Fractures, Distal
Humerus, Precontoured Locking Compression
Plate.
Results: Out of 84 patients, 50 (60%) were male
and the mean age of the patients was 42.55±7.26
years. Excellent, good, satisfactory and poor
outcome was observed in 48(57.1%), 25(29.8%),
7(8.3%) and 4(4.8%) patients, respectively. The
radiological union was found in 80(95.2%)
patients and acceptable outcomes in 73(86.9%)
patients. Poor outcome was associated with older
age (>45 years), female gender, and presence of
diabetes with p-values of <0.001, 0.044, and
0.002, respectively.
C o n c l u s i o n : A c c e p t a b l e o u t c o m e s o f
precontoured locking compression plate for distal
humerus intra-articular fracture were seen in
86.9%. Poor acceptable outcomes were
associated with older age (>45 years), female
gender, and presence of diabetes mellitus. (Rawal
Med J 202;45:111-114).
