Abstract:

Objectives: To evaluate the management and outcome of intraarticular fractures of the distal humerus treated by open reduction and internal fixation using the olecranon osteotomy technique. Materials and methods: Twenty-one patients with intraarticular fractures of the distal humerus were treated by open reduction and internal fixation. The mean age of the patients was 41.6 years and the mean follow-up period was 25.3 months. All fractures were type C according to the AO/ASIF fracture classification system. Chevron type olecranon osteotomy was performed within 12- 24 h after the injury in all cases but 4 of them. Physical and radiological examination of patients with the appropriate range checks were made. Results: All fractures united within average duration of 3.2 months. Excellent or good results were found in patients less than 50 years-old, in women, when passing time from injury to surgery was within 12 hours and when early mobilization was achieved. The complications were seen as 2 (9.6%) transient neuropraxia of the ulnar nerve, 2 (9.6%) failure of fixation, 1 (4.8%) heterotopic ossification and 1 (4.8%) olecranon non-union. Fracture type (C1) and time from occurrence of injury to surgery (

Keywords: