Surgical Treatment of Intercondylar Fractures of the Humerus with Poste-rior Plates

Abstract

Purpose: The authors represent the results of surgical treatment of intercondylar fractures of the humerus treated with dual posterior plates.

Materials and Methods: Retrospectively, 33 patients with intercondylar fractures of the humerus treated with

posterior plates from 2000 to 2004 were reviewed. According to AO/ASIF classification, there were 7 cases

of C1, 21 cases of C2, and 5 cases of C3. The average union time was 17.2 weeks (12??22 weeks). Average follow- up was 18.6 months (12??28 months).

Results: According to Orthopaedic Trauma Association grading scale, the functional results were rated as excellent in 20 patients, fair in 10 patients and poor in 3 patients. There were 6 cases of complication, 4 cases of

elbow stiffness and 2 cases of ulnar neuropathy. There were no case of infection and heterotophic ossification.

Conclusion: As is the other pattern of fracture, to achieve good functional status after intercondylar fractures of the humerus, anatomical reduction, rigid fixation, and early rehabilitation is important. Treatment of

these fractures by dual posterior plates has various advantages of good stability, less soft tissue dissection, and less injury of ulnar nerve compared to other methods. Posterior placement of dual plates is a good way of achieving fixation with less complications of ulnar neuropathy.