[Olecranon osteotomy approach for Dubberley type â ¢ coronal fractures of the distal humerus].

OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively analyze the clinical efficacy of olecranon osteotomy approach in the treatment of Dubberley type Ⅲ coronal fractures of the distal humerus and summarize the treatment experience. METHODS: From January 2016 to June 2020, 17 patients (5 males and 12 females) with Dubberley type Ⅲ coronal fractures of the distal humerus were treated by olecranon osteotomy approach. The age ranged from 37 to78 years old with an average of (58.5±12.9) years old. According to Dubberley classification, there were 5 cases of type Ⅲ A and 12 cases of type Ⅲ B. The curative effect was evaluated using the Borberg-Morrey elbow function score. The flexion, extension and rotation range of motion of the elbow joint, complications and postoperative imaging evaluation were recorded. RESULTS: All the 17 patients got bony union. The follow-up time ranged from 12 to 33 months with an average of (15.6±5.6) months. There was 1 case of ischemic necrosis of capitulum humeri, 2 cases of traumatic arthritis and 1 case of heterotopic ossification, 1 case of malunion of fracture. The range of motion was (114.80±19.50) °. The Broberg-Morrey score was 85.3±8.2, excellent in 5 cases, good in 9 cases, fair in 3 cases and poor in 0 case. CONCLUSION: Through olecranon osteotomy approach, the articular surface of distal humerus could be fully exposed, and the operation is convenient. Anatomical reduction and rigid fixation of the articular surface of distal humerus are the key factors for the succesful outcome.

[Surgical treatment for 14 patients with old fractures of humeral lateral condyle in children].

OBJECTIVE: To study clinical effects of operation for the treatment of old fractures of the humerus lateral condyle in children. METHODS: From January 2012 to January 2014 in our department, 14 children of old humeral lateral condyle fractures were treated with operation. Ten cases were male, 4 cases were female; age from 2 to 12 years old, average 5.8 years old. The initial diagnosis was type IIfracture according to the Milch ciassification, the loss of treatment in 11 cases, conservative treatment in 3 cases of nonunion after fracture displacement. Two cases had mild cubitus valgus deformity; 10 cases had elbow disorders, and the motion range was limited from 15° to 60°; 6 cases had pain in activity. The time from injury to operation was 32 to 176 days(62 days on average) in 14 cases, the 14 cases were treated with open reduction and internal fixation. According to the Modified An-Morrey elbow function assessment criteria after surgery for curative effect. RESULTS: Fourteen cases were followed up for 1 to 3 years, average 1.8 years. No nonunion, malunion, aseptic necrosis of the epiphysis, cubitus varus or valgus occurred. Five cases had mild protrusion deformity of external condyle, 3 cases still had mild dysfunction. The time of clinical bone union was 4 to 8 weeks in X-ray films. Five cases had bony spur formation, 3 cases had signs of early closure of epiphysis; 2 cases had a increasing volume of humeral lateral condyle; and 2 cases appeared tail deformity. Modified An-Morrey score averaged(95.2±3.6) points, 13 excellent, 1 good. CONCLUSIONS: For the old fracture of humeral lateral condyle, operation can effectively restore the appearance and function of elbow joint, and the short-term curative effect is satisfactory, but the long-term effect needs further observation.

Classification and Morphological Parameters of the Scapular Spine: Implications for Surgery.

Incidence of scapular spine (SS) fractures as a result of complications of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty is relatively high leading to inferior clinical outcomes and an increased risk of revision and dislocation. Fractures of SS because of trauma, including the acromion, constitute 6% to 23% of scapula fractures. The purpose of this study was to classify the SS and present specific geometrical parameters according to osteologic features. A total of 319 intact dry scapulae were collected and classified based on morphological characteristics and shape of the SS. Nine bony landmarks were also chosen and described for their relevance to regions of interest for scapular fixation. Five specific types of SS were noted and the most prevalent groups were Type 1 (Fusiform shape) (47.17%) and Type 5 (Horizontal S-shape) (19.18%). Overall, Types 3, 4, and 1 showed thicker landmark values compared to Type 5, with Type 2 having smaller values. Our classification into 5 distinct types allowed appreciation of the anatomical variance of SSs. The contours of Types 5 and 1 presented a more complex morphology and may lead to a worse surgical approach due to a fracture. As Types 2 and 5 were much thinner than the other types, these may be more susceptible to fractures.