Surgical Treatment of Adult Extra-Articular Distal Humeral Diaphyseal Fractures Using an Oblique Metaphyseal Locking Compression Plate via a Posterior Approach

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and clinical outcome of using an oblique AO (Association for the Study of Internal Fixation) metaphyseal locking compression plate (MLCP) in the treatment of adult extra-articular distal humeral diaphyseal fractures via a posterior approach. Subjects and Methods: A series of 19 cases of adult extra-articular distal humeral diaphyseal fractures were surgically treated using an MLCP and lag screws, if necessary, via a posterior approach. All patients were followed for a mean time of 16.6 months (range from 12 to 20 months). The patients were followed up to 1 year, and radiological assessment was performed to observe fracture reduction and healing. Functional outcome was measured including the range of motion of the shoulder and elbow, by the University of California at Los Angeles and the Mayo Elbow Performance Score. Results: The incidence of iatrogenic radial nerve palsy was 5%. There was no failure of internal fixation Received: October 31, 2010 Accepted: May 22, 2011 Published online: October 19, 2011 Prof. Qiugen Wang Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Shanghai First People’s Hospital Medical College, Shanghai Jiaotong University 100 Haining Road, Shanghai 200080 (China) Tel. +86 138 0186 2558, E-Mail wangqiugen @ 126.com © 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel 1011–7571/12/0211–0040$38.00/0 Accessible online at: www.karger.com/mpp D ow nl oa de d by : 54 .7 0. 40 .1 1 11 /1 9/ 20 17 4 :0 0: 37 P M