Treatment of supra- and intra-articular fractures of the distal humerus with the LCP Distal Humerus Plate: a 2-year follow-up

• Published in: Journal of shoulder and elbow surgery 2011-03, Vol.20 (2), p.206-212
• Main Authors: Kaiser, Timm, MD, Brunner, Alexander, MD, Hohendorff, Bernd, MD, Ulmar, Benjamin, MD, Babst, Reto, MD
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; angular stable; Biological and medical sciences; Bone Plates; DHP; Diseases of the osteoarticular system; distal humeral fractures; Distal Humerus Plate; Female; Fracture Fixation, Internal - instrumentation; Humans; Humeral Fractures - diagnostic imaging; Humeral Fractures - surgery; Injuries of the limb. Injuries of the spine; Intra-Articular Fractures - diagnostic imaging; Intra-Articular Fractures - surgery; Male; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Orthopedics; Radiography; Retrospective Studies; Traumas. Diseases due to physical agents
• ISSN: 1058-2746; 1532-6500
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2010.06.010

Background The LCP Distal Humerus Plate (DHP) system represents an angular stable fixation system consisting of 2 anatomically pre-shaped orthogonal plates intended for the treatment of fractures of the distal humerus. The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the clinical and radiologic outcome after a minimum follow-up of 2 years after open reduction and fixation of distal humeral fractures with this device. Methods Twenty-two consecutive patients with distal humeral fractures were treated with the DHP system between January 2004 and June 2006. Of these, 16 could be clinically and radiologically evaluated after a mean follow-up of 30.5 months. Follow-up included anteroposterior and lateral radiographs; assessment of range of motion; pain according to a VAS; Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score; and Mayo Elbow Performance Score. Results All fractures showed satisfactory articular reduction. One patient showed preoperative sensory ulnar neuropathy, which recovered incompletely, and two patients showed sensory ulnar neuropathy postoperatively, requiring revision surgery in one patient. Mean range of motion was as follows: flexion, 129°; extension, −16°; pronation, 82°; and supination, 71°. The mean visual analog scale score was 1 point; the mean Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score, 23.3 points; and the mean Mayo Elbow Performance Score, 84.7 points. Conclusion The DHP system represents a valuable tool to perform internal fixation of complex fractures of the distal humerus. In contrast to conventional plating, we did not observe any case of secondary fracture displacement, even in elderly patients with potentially reduced bone mass. The multiple angular stable point fixation also of small distal fragments seems to be effective in the application of this system.