Observational study of outcome of open reduction and internal fixation of supracondylar with inter condylar humeral fracture in patient above 18 years at tertiary care center of south Gujarat

Materials and Method: We hereby report the outcome of a series of Intracondylar fractures of the humerus treated by open reduction and internal fixation and discuss the controversies in light of published literature. Total 50 patients included in this retrospective study which include 36 male and 14 female. 39 patients were treated using Orthogonic platting and 11 patients were treated using parallel platting via posterior approach within 15 days of injury. Functional outcome was assessed via DASH (Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand), MEPS(Mayo Elbow Performance Score) at 6 months.

Results:At the end of 6 months flexion arc was 115 ± 6.79 in the orthogonal group while that in the parallel plating group was 112 ± 7.72. MEPS and DASH scores were 87.23 ± 7.75 and 24.23 ± 6.02 for the orthogonal group and 89 ± 8.07 and 23.18 ± 11.33 for the parallel plating group, respectively. In our practice, no significant differences were found between the orthogonal and parallel plating methods in terms of clinical outcomes or complication rates.

Conclusion: The high rate of union can be achieved in complex intra-articular fractures of distal humerus if the proper principles of stable fracture fixation are followed, and dual fixation of both columns and restoration of the continuity of articular surface. The stability achieved by this technique permits institution of early intensive physiotherapy to restore elbow function.