Effectiveness of AO anatomical locking compression plate in treating type C distal humeral fracture

• Published in: Zhongguo xiu fu chong jian wai ke za zhi Vol. 24; no. 12; p. 1409
• Main Authors: Zhang, Lihai, Hu, Fangke, Zhang, Licheng, Chen, Hua, Xu, Meng, Wang, Yan, Tang, Peifu
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Chinese
• Published: China 01.12.2010
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Bone Plates; Female; Fracture Fixation, Internal - instrumentation; Fracture Fixation, Internal - methods; Humans; Humeral Fractures - surgery; Male; Middle Aged; Olecranon Process - injuries; Wrist Joint
• ISSN: 1002-1892

To evaluate the effectiveness of the AO anatomical locking compression plate in treating type C distal humeral fracture. Between July 2008 and April 2009, 13 cases of type C distal humeral fracture were treated with the AO anatomical locking compression plates. There were 5 males and 8 females with an average age of 52.1 years (range, 24-80 years). Fractures were caused by tumbling in 7 cases, by traffic accident in 4 cases, and by falling from height in 2 cases. According to Association for Osteosynthesis/Orthopaedic Trauma Association (AO/OTA) classification, there were 3 cases of type C1, 6 cases of type C2, and 4 cases of type C3. Two cases complicated by ulnar nerve injuries, 1 by radial nerve injury, 2 by fractures of ulnar olecranon, 3 by fractures of other parts of extremities, and 6 by osteoporosis. The time from injury to hospitalization ranged from 3 hours to 4 days (0.9 day on average). All the incisions achieved healing by first intention. Thirteen cases were followed up 12 to 21 months with an a