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Outcomes Following Open Reduction Internal Fixation of Extra Articular or Simple Articular Distal Humerus Fractures in Patients over 75 Years of Age

Acta of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery | Volume 4 | Issue 1 | January-June 2020 | Page 2-6 |  Benjamin W. Sears, Mitchell J. Sungelo, Jacqueline E. Bader, Armodios M. Hatzidakis, Charles L. Getz


Authors:  Benjamin W. Sears [1], Mitchell J. Sungelo [2], Jacqueline E. Bader [1], Armodios M. Hatzidakis [1], Charles L. Getz [3]

[1] Western Orthopaedics, 1830 Franklin St Ste 450 Denver, CO 80218
[2] University of Colorado School of Medicine, 13001 E. 17th Place Aurora, CO 80045
[3] Rothman Institute, 925 Chestnut St Philadelphia, PA 19107

Address of Correspondence
Dr. Benjamin W. Sears,
Western Orthopaedics, 1830 Franklin St Ste 450 Denver, CO 80218
E-mail: bwsears@gmail.com


Abstract

Introduction: Treatment of distal humerus fractures in the aged population remains controversial due to concerns for bone quality, healing capacity, and integrity of the surrounding soft tissue envelope. We evaluated outcomes of open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) in patients aged ≥75 years with extra articular or simple articular distal humerus fractures (AO Type A or B).
Methods: Between 2011 to 2016, 13 patients 75 years of age or older identified in the last five years at two tertiary elbow centers as having undergone ORIF for AO Type A or B distal humerus fractures were retrospectively reviewed.
Results: The final average Mayo Elbow Performance Scores (MEPS) was 83.1 (range, 50-100). Average range of motion included lack of extension to 15° (range, 0-40°), and an average flexion to 128° (range, 115-140°). Average time to union was 12.2 weeks; however, two patients treated with percutaneous pinning resulted in nonunion. One required conversion to total elbow arthroplasty for pain with osseous collapse. There were no triceps or ulnar nerve issues, and no associated perioperative medical complications.
Conclusions: ORIF for AO Type A or B distal humerus fractures in the elderly population provides for immediate/early, functional use of the extremity, predictable union, limited perioperative complications and no long-term weight bearing restrictions. Conversion to total elbow arthroplasty can be utilized as a salvage procedure.
Level of evidence: Level IV.
Keywords: Distal humerus fracture, Elderly, ORIF, Arthroplasty, Fixation, Osteoporosis, Percutaneous pinning, Locked plates.


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How to Cite this article: Sears BW, Sungelo MJ, Bader JE, Hatzidakis AM, Getz CL | Outcomes Following Open Reduction Internal Fixation of Extra Articular or Simple Articular Distal Humerus Fractures in Patients over 75 Years of Age | Acta of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery | January-June 2020; 4(1):2-6.


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