[Internal fixation with AO distal humerus plates for the treatment of distal humeral fractures in elderly osteoporotic patients].

OBJECTIVE: To study the clinical effects of AO distal humerus plate (DHP) for the treatment of distal humeral fractures in elderly osteoporotic patients. METHODS: From September 2008 to January 2010, 18 elderly osteoporotic patients with distal humeral fractures were treated with open reduction and internal fixation with DHP. There were 3 males and 15 females, ranging in age from 62 to 83 years (averaged, 71.4 years). According to AO classification, 1 patient was Type A2, 3 patients were Type A3; 2 patients were Type B1, 2 patients were Type B2; 3 patients were Type C1, 4 patients were Type C2, 3 patients were Type C3. The surgical approaches were either bilateral or via olecranon process of ulna. Early mobilization was initiated after surgery. Functional results were evaluated according to the Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS). RESULTS: The average duration of follow-up was 14.6 months (ranged from 11 to 24 months). All the patients had a complete healing of their fractures. There was no infection, hardware failure or loss of reduction after the operations. The average Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS) was (92.2 +/- 9.6) (65 to 100 points), among which the score of pain was (42.5 +/- 5.8) (30 to 45 points), the score of motion range was (19.2 +/- 1.9) (15 to 20 points), the score of stability was (9.2 +/- 1.9) (5 to 10 points), and the score of function was (21.4 +/- 2.9) (15 to 25 points). According to MEPS, 11 patients got excellent results, 5 good and 2 fair. CONCLUSION: Treatment of distal humeral fractures in elderly osteoporotic patients with AO distal humeral plates can obtain immediate stabilization which facilitates early mobilization of the elbow.