Distal third humeri fractures treated using the Synthes™ 3.5-mm extra-articular distal humeral locking compression plate: clinical, radiographic and patient outcome scores.

BACKGROUND: Conventional management protocols for distal humeral extra-articular fractures (e.g. conservative, double columnar plating) are often associated with complications. We aimed to describe our experience of using the Synthes™ 3.5-mm extra-articular distal humeral locking compression plate for treatment of extra-articular distal humeral fractures.

METHODS: We prospectively studied 23 consecutive patients who underwent fixation, in a tertiary trauma centre, over 2 years. Data, including patient demographics, duration of follow-up, patient satisfaction, visual analogue score (VAS), Oxford Elbow Score, and final outcome on discharge, were collected and analyzed.

RESULTS: Of the 23 patients (12 males, 11 females; mean age 47.5 years; range 18 years to 89 years), all fractures united radiologically and clinically after the index procedure, with a mean time to fracture union of 15.7 weeks (range 9 weeks to 34 weeks) and a mean time to discharge of 17.8 weeks (range 13 weeks to 34 weeks). Oxford Elbow Score was 36.5 (range 11 to 48) at 4.6 months postoperatively; at 20 months follow-up, it was 40 (range 14 to 48) and the VAS was 8.5 (range 5 to 10). One patient had radial nerve neuropraxia pre-operatively, and one postoperatively, and both recovered uneventfully 3 months postoperatively. Neither superficial, nor deep infections were observed in this cohort.

CONCLUSIONS: The present study reports satisfactory outcome with the usage of the Synthes plate for extra-articular fracture management. It has become the technique of choice in our centre because it provides excellent results.