Treatment of distal humerus fractures

Abstract

Distal humeral fractures in adults have their maximum incidence in the 5th decade of life and affect 2 % of all fractures . The treatment requires advanced anatomical knowledge and thorough preparation for the operation by the surgeon . To achieve early mobilisation the gold standard in therapy is open reduction and internal osteosynthesis using angular stable plates via a dorsal approach . Several approaches with and without olecranon osteotomy offering different levels of exposure depending on the type of fracture are described in the literature . In geriatric patients primary joint replacement may be considered alternatively . Despite frequently persisting limitations in the range of motion, the majority of patients is satisfied with the functional result .