Evidence map›Paper›PMID 35948886›Full record

ArticleBMC musculoskeletal disorders2022

Bi-columnar locking plate fixation through a combined medial and lateral approach for the treatment of low transcondylar fractures of the distal humerus in the elderly.

Sam-Guk Park, Hyun-Gyu Seok

Open access · goldAbstract read
In one paragraph

Article in BMC musculoskeletal disorders, 2022. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
0.5field-weighted citation impact, top 34% of its field
1 · What the graph read from it

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3 · Its place in the literature

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0 citing papers in PubMed, 5 citations in OpenAlex.

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4 · The record

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

2 authors at 1 institution in 1 country.

Sam-Guk ParkDepartment of Orthopedic Surgery, Yeungnam University Medical Center, Yeungnam University Hospital, Yeungnam University College of Medicine, 170 Hyeonchung-ro, Nam-gu, Daegu, 42415, Korea. radiorth@ynu.ac.kr.
Hyun-Gyu SeokDepartment of Orthopedic Surgery, Yeungnam University Medical Center, Yeungnam University Hospital, Yeungnam University College of Medicine, 170 Hyeonchung-ro, Nam-gu, Daegu, 42415, Korea.
Yeungnam University Medical Center · KR

Funding

Yeungnam University the 2018 Yeungnam University Research Grant
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundLow transcondylar fractures (LTFs) of the distal humerus are relatively uncommon elbow injuries in elderly patients after low-energy injuries. Although there is still debate regarding the method of fixation, several surgeons prefer bi-columnar fixation using pre-contoured locking plates. However, posterior approaches, which are usually used to perform the above procedure, have disadvantages, such as ulnar nerve neuropathy, damage to the extensor mechanism, and the need for general anesthesia. To solve these problems, the authors designed a combined medial and lateral approach. The purpose of this study was to present the outcomes of bi-columnar internal fixation through a combined medial and lateral approach for the treatment of LTFs of the distal humerus in the elderly. 

methodsA total of 46 patients diagnosed with distal humeral fractures between May 2017 and April 2020 were included. Thirty patients were excluded, and 16 patients who underwent open reduction and internal fixation by the medial and lateral approach were selected. We carried out all the surgeries under brachial plexus anesthesia. The clinical outcomes were assessed based on the visual analog scale (VAS) score, Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS), disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) score, and range of motion (ROM) of the elbow joint. Standardized radiographs were obtained at 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery and at the last follow-up visit to evaluate for bony union and to check for complications, such as ulnar nerve neuropathy and heterotopic ossification.

resultsThe mean age was 81 years (range, 65-91 years). Bony union was achieved in 15 out of 16 patients. The mean VAS score was 2.1 (range, 0-6), the mean MEPS was 84.4 (range, 70-100), and the mean DASH score was 20.6 (range, 9.5-33.6). There were three complications including reduction loss, skin necrosis, and stiffness of the elbow. There was no ulnar nerve neuropathy. The post-operative ROM was 100 degrees or higher in all cases, which did not cause any impairment in daily life.

conclusionLTFs of the distal humerus in the elderly can yield satisfactory results with bi-columnar internal fixation through a combined medial and lateral approach.

Indexed as

Elbow JointHumeral FracturesAgedAged, 80 and overBone PlatesFracture Fixation, InternalHumansHumerusRange of Motion, ArticularRetrospective StudiesTreatment OutcomeDistalFractureHumerusLow transcondylarMedial and lateral approach

Identifiers

PMID35948886
PMCPMC9367132
OpenAlexW4290988246

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LicenceCC BY
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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.