Complications of open reduction and internal fixation of distal humerus fractures

Abstract

▪ Treatment of distal humerus fractures is demanding. Surgery is the optimal treatment and preoperative planning is based on fracture type and degree of comminution. ▪ Fixation with two precontoured anatomical locking plates at 90o:90o orthogonal or 180o parallel is the optimal treatment. ▪ The main goal of surgical treatment is to obtain stable fixation to allow immediate postoperative elbow mobilization and prevent joint stiffness. ▪ Despite evolution of plates and surgical techniques, complications such as mechanical failure, ulnar neuropathy, stiffness, heterotopic ossification, nonunion, malunion, infection, and complications from olecranon osteotomy are quite common. ▪ Distal humerus fractures still present a significant technical challenge and need meticulous technique and experience to achieve optimal results.