Abstract: Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and functional outcome of Uni-condylar Locking Compression Plating for Extra-articular Distal Humeral Shaft Fractures in adults and comparison with other techniques for management of extra-articular distal humerus fractures.
Methods: This Prospective Study was carried out in the Department of Orthopaedics in Shadan Institute of Medical Sciences, Teaching Hospital and Research Centre, Hyderabad, Telangana during July 2018 to January 2021. Patient selection was based on Inclusion and Exclusioncriteria.20 patients with extra-articular distal humeral shaft fractures were treated with Uni-condylar Locking Compression Plating. The patient was placed, either in the lateral decubitus position with shoulder at 90 degrees of abduction and flexion and the elbow at 90 degrees of flexion, or fully prone position over bolsters. Through triceps sparing posterolateral approach, Unicondylar Locking Compression Plating was done. Assisted exercises and physiotherapy were started as early as possible. The functional outcome was evaluated using The Rating System of Cassebaum, for time taken for fracture union, complications and compared with other techniques of fixation.
Results: All fractures in this study healed well within a period of 22 to 24weeks with a mean average of 16.1 weeks without any implant related complications. Only 1 patient showed delayed fracture union at 32 weeks and 1 patient developed superficial wound infection which resolved subsequently with use of antibiotics. The overall outcome of this study ranged between Fair and Excellent.
Conclusion: This study has yielded excellent results and it shows that Uni-condylar Locking Compression Plating (LCP) is an excellent technique for internal fixation of extra-articular distal humeral shaft fractures, as it promotes high rate of early fracture union without any implant related and other complications.
