A single antegrade Rush nail was used to treat 37 fractures of the distal humerus extending to the olecranon fossa and up to 6.5 cm proximal to it. In order to stabilise the fracture, the bent tip of the Rush nail was directed into the lateral epicondylar ridge. This gave immediate stability. All the fractures united without residual stiffness of the shoulder or elbow

Between 1995 and 2000, 19 consecutive patients with fractures of the distal humerus were treated by primary total elbow replacement using the Coonrad-Morrey prosthesis. No patient had inflammatory or degenerative arthritis of the elbow. The mean age at the time of injury was 73 years (61 to 95). According to the AO classification, 11 patients had suffered a C3 injury, two a B3 and two an A3. One fracture was unclassified. Two patients died from unrelated causes and one was unable to be assessed because of concurrent illness. The mean time to follow-up was three years (1 to 5.5). At follow-up 11 patients (68%) reported no pain, four (25%) had mild pain with activity and one had mild pain at rest. The mean flexion arc was 24° to 125°. The mean supination was 90° (70 to 100) and pronation 70° (50 to 110). No elbow was unstable. The mean Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score was 23 (0.92 to 63.3) and the mean Mayo elbow performance score was 93 (80 to 100). Of the 16 patients, 15 were satisfied with the outcome. Radiological evaluation revealed only one patient with a radiolucent line at the cement-bone interface. It was between 1 and 2 mm in length, was present on the initial postoperative radiograph and was non-progressive at the time of follow-up. Primary total elbow arthroplasty is an acceptable option for the management of comminuted fractures of the distal humerus in elderly patients when the configuration of the fracture and the quality of the bone make reconstruction difficult

The primary aim of this study was to identify risk factors for developing neuritis and its impact on outcome following open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) of distal humerus fractures. Patients were identified from a prospective trauma database (1995–2010). All fractures of the distal humerus (OA-OTA Type A, B, C) managed with ORIF were included. Prospective long-term follow up was collected by telephone. Demographic data, fracture classification, intraoperative details (time to surgery, tourniquet, approach, fixation technique, nerve transposition), subsequent surgeries, presence of postoperative nerve palsy, complications and range of motion were collected. The Broberg and Morrey Elbow Score and DASH score were used as functional outcome measures. Eighty-two patients, mean age 50(range, 13–93) were included. 16% (13/82) developed post-operative ulnar neuritis, 7% (6/82) radial neuritis and 5% (4/82) longterm nonspecific dysaesthesia. Short-term (mean 10 months, range 1–120, collected in 82 patients) and long-term (mean 6 years, range 4–18, collected in 45%, 34/75, of living patients) was completed. In patients with nerve complication: average Broberg and Morrey score was 86 (76% good/excellent), average DASH was 24.7(range, 3.3–100) and Oxford Elbow Score was 39.5(range, 18–48). Compared to: 94 (96% good/excellent), 17.7(range, 0–73.3) and 43.8(range, 17–48) in patients without. Mean pain score was 3.7 in patients with nerve complication compared to 2 without. Nerve complications were seen with increased frequency in young, male patients with high energy and Type C injuries. Nerve complication following ORIF of distal humerus fractures is relatively common. They have detrimental impact on functional outcome. Certain groups appear to be at increased risk

Nine children sustained a second fracture of the distal humerus after union of an ipsilateral supracondylar fracture which had healed with cubitus varus. There were eight boys and one girl with a mean age of five years (1 to 8) at the time of the second fracture which occurred at a mean of 1.5 years after the first. In all patients, the second fracture was an epiphyseal injury of the distal humerus, either associated with a fracture of the lateral metaphysis below the site of the previous supracondylar fracture, or a fracture-separation of the entire distal humeral epiphysis. This suggests that the physis and epiphysis tend to be more subject to injury than the metaphysis of the distal humerus in children who have had a previous supracondylar fracture with varus malunion

We assessed the inter- and intraobserver variation in classification systems for fractures of the distal humerus. Three orthopaedic trauma consultants, three trauma registrars and three consultant musculoskeletal radiologists independently classified 33 sets of radiographs of such fractures on two occasions, each using three separate systems. For interobserver variation, the Riseborough and Radin system produced ‘moderate’ agreement (kappa = 0.513), but half of the fractures were not classifiable by this system. For the complete AO system, agreement was ‘fair’ (kappa = 0.343), but if only AO type and group or AO type alone was used, agreement improved to ‘moderate’ and ‘substantial’, respectively (kappa = 0.52 and 0.66). Agreement for the system of Jupiter and Mehne was ‘fair’ (kappa = 0.295). Similar levels of intraobserver variation were found. Systems of classification are useful in decision-making and evaluation of outcome only if there is agreement and consistency among observers. Our study casts doubt on these aspects of the systems currently available for fractures of the distal humerus

The treatment of multifragmentary, intra-articular fractures of the distal humerus is difficult, even in young patients with bone of good quality, but is worse in elderly patients who have varying degrees of osteopenia. We have evaluated the functional outcome of primary total elbow replacement (TER) in the treatment of these fractures in ten elderly patients followed for a minimum of one year. There were no complications in regard to the soft tissues, bone or prosthesis. The mean range of flexion obtained was 125° (110 to 140) and loss of extension was 23.5° (0 to 50). The mean Mayo score was 94 points (80 to 100) and patient satisfaction was high. We feel that TER provides an alternative to open reduction and internal fixation in the management of these complicated fractures in the elderly

Introduction. Adequate exposure is a prerequisite for treatment of distal humeral fractures. In this study, we compared the clinico-radiological and functional outcome of TRAP approach with that of olecranon osteotomy for distal humerus fractures. Material & Methods. 27 patients with distal humerus fractures were randomized into 2 groups: Group 1 (n=14, TRAP approach), Group 2 (n=13, Olecranon osteotomy). All patients were operated with bi-columnar fixation. All patients were mobilized from day 2. Follow-up evaluation was done at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months. Results. All patients achieved union. The mean surgical time was higher in group 1 (120 min) as compared to group 2 (100 min). The final ROM was higher in group 1 (1160) as compared to group 2 (850). Two patients in group 2 needed posterior release. 5 patients in group 2 had hardware complications related to olecranon osteotomy and needed removal. Two patients in Group 1 had transient ulnar nerve paraesthesias. There was no difference in triceps power in both groups. Conclusion. Our results demonstrate that TRAP approach is extensile and safe enough in treating these complex fractures with better final ROM and fewer complications

Between 1993 and 2000 we treated 14 patients with nonunion of fractures of the distal humerus; 11 had already had previous fixation which had failed. The mean time to surgery was 21 months after injury. All the fractures were very low which made it difficult to obtain a firm hold of the small distal fragment. The problem of fixation was addressed by inserting a Coventry infant hip screw into the humeral condyles. The screw has a thread of wide diameter which gives excellent purchase on the small distal fragment. The condyles can then be compressed on to the humeral shaft using a 4.5 mm narrow tibial dynamic plate. Of these 14 difficult cases of nonunion, 12 progressed to union

Our study describes a posterolateral approach to the distal humerus for open reduction and internal fixation of displaced fractures of the lateral condyle. A total of 20 patients had open reduction and internal fixation over a four-year period using this approach, and at a mean follow-up of 12 months had full union, range of movement and no complications, either clinical or radiological. This approach is well suited to the exact visualisation and accurate reduction of this difficult fracture with minimal dissection of tissues

The COVID-19 pandemic presented a significant impact on orthopaedic surgical operating. This multi-centre study aimed to ascertain what factors contributed to delays to theatre in patients with shoulder and elbow trauma. A retrospective cohort study of 621 upper limb (shoulder and elbow) trauma patients between 16/03/2020 and 16/09/2021 (18-months) was extracted from trauma lists in NHS Tayside, Highland and Grampian and Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS). Median patient age =51 years (range 2-98), 298 (48%) were male and 323 (52%) female. The commonest operation was olecranon open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) 106/621 cases (17.1%), followed by distal humerus ORIF − 63/621 (10.1%). Median time to surgery was 2 days (range 0-263). 281/621 (45.2%) of patients underwent surgical intervention within 0-1 days and 555/621 patients (89.9%) had an operation within 14 days of sustaining their injury. 66/621 (10.6%) patients waited >14 days for surgery. There were 325/621 (52.3%) patients with documented evidence of delay to surgery; of these 55.6% (181/325) were due to amendable causes. 66/325 (20.3%) of these patients suffered complications; the most common being post-operative stiffness in 48.6% of cases (n=32/66). To our knowledge, this is the first study to specifically explore effect of COVID-19 pandemic on upper limb trauma patients. We suggest delays to theatre may have contributed to higher rates of post-operative stiffness and require more physiotherapy during the rehabilitation phase. In future pandemic planning, we propose dedicated upper-limb trauma lists to prevent delays to theatre and optimise patients’ post-operative outcomes

The best method of managing a fracture of the distal humerus in a frail low-demand patient with osteoporotic bone remains controversial. Total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) has been recommended for patients in whom open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) is not possible. Conservative methods of treatment, including the ‘bag of bones’ technique (acceptance of displacement of the bony fragments and early mobilisation), are now rarely considered as they are believed to give a poor functional result. We reviewed 40 elderly and low-demand patients (aged 50 to 93 years, 72% women) with a fracture of the distal humerus who had been treated conservatively at our hospital between March 2008 and December 2013, and assessed their short- and medium-term functional outcome. . In the short-term, the mean Broberg and Morrey score improved from 42 points (poor; 23 to 80) at six weeks after injury to 67 points (fair; 40 to 88) by three months. . In the medium-term, surviving patients (n = 20) had a mean Oxford elbow score of 30 points (7 to 48) at four years and a mean Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score of 38 points (0 to 75): 95% reported a functional range of elbow flexion. The cumulative rate of fracture union at one year was 53%. The mortality at five years approached 40%. . Conservative management of a fracture of the distal humerus in a low-demand patient only gives a modest functional result, but avoids the substantial surgical risks associated with primary ORIF or TEA. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:1132–8

A series of 26 children was referred to our specialist unit with a ‘pink pulseless hand’ following a supracondylar fracture of the distal humerus after a mean period of three months (4 days to 12 months) except for one referred after almost three years. They were followed up for a mean of 15.5 years (4 to 26). The neurovascular injuries and resulting impairment in function and salvage procedures were recorded. The mean age at presentation was 8.6 years (2 to 12). There were eight girls and 18 boys. Only four of the 26 patients had undergone immediate surgical exploration before referral and three of these four had a satisfactory outcome. In one child the brachial artery had been explored unsuccessfully at 48 hours. As a result 23 of the 26 children presented with established ischaemic contracture of the forearm and hand. Two responded to conservative stretching. In the remaining 21 the antecubital fossa was explored. The aim of surgery was to try to improve the function of the hand and forearm, to assess nerve, vessel and muscle damage, to relieve entrapment and to minimise future disturbance of growth. Based on our results we recommend urgent exploration of the vessels and nerves in a child with a ‘pink pulseless hand’, not relieved by reduction of a supracondylar fracture of the distal humerus and presenting with persistent and increasing pain suggestive of a deepening nerve lesion and critical ischaemia

An increasing number of distal humeral fractures are presenting as fragility fractures in low demand elderly patients. The optimal management of these injuries remains controversial. The primary aim of this study was to document the short and long term outcomes of these fractures treated with primary nonsurgical intervention. All patients were identified from a prospective trauma database from 1995 to 2010. All conservatively managed, isolated fractures of the distal humerus (OTA Type A,B,C) were included. Prospective long term follow up was collected by telephone interview. Demographic data, fracture classification, management protocol, subsequent surgeries, complications, range of motion, function and patient reported outcomes were recorded. The primary short-term outcome measure was the Broberg and Morrey Elbow Score. The primary long-term outcome measure was the DASH score. Sixty-two patients were included. Mean age 76 (range, 11–96). Low-energy injuries were seen in 97% (59/61) of patients and ≥1 co-morbidities in 50% (27/54). At a mean of 3.7 months (range, 1–14) mean Broberg and Morrey score was 86 (range, 52–100); 70% (28/40) achieving excellent or good short-term outcome. Long-term follow-up was available in 17% (n=11) patients, with 75% (48/64) deceased. At a mean of 7 years (range, 4–17) mean DASH was 23.6 (range, 0.8–45.8), mean Oxford Elbow Score was 42 (range, 32–48). Overall patient satisfaction was 100% (n=11). One patient subsequently underwent open reduction internal fixation for malunion. We have reported satisfactory short-term and longer-term outcomes following the nonsurgical management of isolated distal humerus fractures in older lower demand patients

Aims

Heterotopic ossification (HO) is a common complication after elbow trauma and can cause severe upper limb disability. Although multiple prognostic factors have been reported to be associated with the development of post-traumatic HO, no model has yet been able to combine these predictors more succinctly to convey prognostic information and medical measures to patients. Therefore, this study aimed to identify prognostic factors leading to the formation of HO after surgery for elbow trauma, and to establish and validate a nomogram to predict the probability of HO formation in such particular injuries.

Aims

This is a multicentre, prospective assessment of a proportion of the overall orthopaedic trauma caseload of the UK. It investigates theatre capacity, cancellations, and time to surgery in a group of hospitals that is representative of the wider population. It identifies barriers to effective practice and will inform system improvements.

A 16-year-old boy was involved in an agricultural accident in which he sustained a large wound to the right arm and forearm. Radiological examination showed loss of the distal half of the humerus. A posterior splint was applied and after two months there was regeneration of the distal humerus including the articular portion. He was able to use his arm at five months. Twenty years later, he had a painless elbow and a 70° range of movement

Background. For the treatment of proximal humeral fractures two major therapeutic principles can be employed: Intramedullary nailing (PHN) or locking plate osteosynthesis. Aim of this study was to evaluate and compare clinical and radiological long-term outcome of proximal humeral fracture stabilization using PHN or angular stable plating. In addition, we discussed advantages and disadvantages of both techniques and aimed at establishing criteria which operative technique should preferentially be utilized for selected fracture configurations. Materials and Methods. In a prospective study between 2003 and 2010 we analyzed 72 patients with proximal humeral fracture who had been treated by PHN (44 patients) or angular stable plating (28 patients) in a European Level 1 Trauma Center. In the two cohort groups the following epidemiologic data was found. 46 patients were women, and 26 men with a mean age of 60.6 years (range 18–91). Follow-up was performed 38–82 months after accident, on average. Mechanism of injury was fall in 59, motor cycle accident in 4, bike accident in 8 patients, and fall from horse in 1 patient. Duration time between accident and operation was 2.8 days on average. Osteoporosis was previously known in 20 out of all evaluated patients (plate: 7/28; nail: 13/44). Fractures were classified using the Neer classification and Binary description system: There were 35 3-part fractures (PHN: 26; plate: 9) and 37 4-part fractures (PHN: 18; plate: 19), respectively. Functional and radiological outcome was assessed in a range of 38–82 months after trauma using Constant Score. Results. No clinical symptoms after 3 years were observed in 40 patients, whereas in 32 patients clinical symptoms were evaluated related to pain and/or loss of function. Secondary revision after plate fixation had to be performed in 5 out of 28 patients and in 11 out of 44 patients in the PHN group. Functional outcome using the Constant score demonstrated a total score of 72.9 (ipsi-lateral side) vs. 88.4 (contra-lateral side) in all evaluated patients, on average. Complete metal removal was performed in 34 out of 72 patients (PHN: 17; plate: 17). Conclusion. Both i.m. nailing and angular stable plating are adequate treatment options for proximal humeral fractures. No significant differences in outcome between implants regarding fracture healing, nonunion, and infection were found. Locked plating can be utilized for all distal humerus fracture including complex 4-part fractures. I.m. nailing provides favorable intramedullary stability and can be successfully implanted in multi-segmental fractures of the upper extremity. However, both systems require precise preoperative planning and advanced surgical experience. Clinical long-term outcome largely depends on surgical technique and not so much on the choice of implant

Aims

The aim of this study was to determine the current incidence and epidemiology of humeral diaphyseal fractures. The secondary aim was to explore variation in patient and injury characteristics by fracture location within the humeral diaphysis.

Aims

Patient engagement in adaptive health behaviours and interactions with their healthcare ecosystem can be measured using self-reported instruments, such as the Patient Activation Measure (PAM-13) and the Effective Consumer Scale (ECS-17). Few studies have investigated the influence of patient engagement on limitations (patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs)) and patient-reported experience measures (PREMs). First, we assessed whether patient engagement (PAM-13, ECS-17) within two to four weeks of an upper limb fracture was associated with limitations (the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire (QuickDASH), and Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System Upper Extremity Physical Function computer adaptive test (PROMIS UE PF) scores) measured six to nine months after fracture, accounting for demographic, clinical, and psychosocial factors. Secondly, we assessed the association between patient engagement and experience (numerical rating scale for satisfaction with care (NRS-C) and satisfaction with services (NRS-S) six to nine months after fracture.

Aims

To evaluate interobserver reliability of the Orthopaedic Trauma Association’s open fracture classification system (OTA-OFC).