Abstract: Background:A prospective study was done in the Department of Orthopedics in D.Y HOSPITAL, Navi Mumbai from January 2015 to May 2017 to evaluate outcomes of single column plating in extra articular distal comminuted as well as non-comminuted humerus diaphyseal fractures.
Methods: All the patients attending OPD and emergency with extra articular distal humeral diaphyseal fracture with or without neurological deficit were admitted and operated in our hospital over a period of 2 year and 3 months.AO classifications was used to classify fractures. All the 20 subjects (n=20) of fracture humerus were operated using postero-lateral approach and Extra Articular Distal Humerus Locking compression plate 3.5 mm was used (EADHP). Clinical and Radiological evaluation was done at each follow up and functional outcomes were evaluated using Mayo Elbow Performance score (MEPS) which includes Pain intensity, Motion, stability and function.
Results: The mean age was between 19-60 years, with mean age of 37.3 years. The maximum incidence was between 19 to 35 years i.e. 11 cases (55%). Road traffic accident (RTA) was major cause of trauma-11 cases (55%), fall while working at house at work place was seen in 45% cases. Average radiological union was seen at 23.5 weeks. 3 of 20 patients had radial nerve palsy at presentation, of which 2 recovered completely and one recovered partially after exploration and plating. One suffered iatrogenic neuropraxia which recovered with 6 weeks. Average post-operative ROM at 6 months was flexion- 128°, full extension in 17 cases and + 10
o in 3 cases, pronation 85° and supination 82°. Average MEPS score was 95.5.
Conclusion: EADHP offers us advantage over conventional dual plating or single posterior plating in terms of less soft tissue exploration, rigid construct, anatomically contoured plating and can be considered as many options for fixation of extra articular distal humeral fractures with excellent radiological and functional outcomes.
