Open reduction and internal fixation of the distal humerus: functional outcome in the elderly

Abstract

Objective: To examine the functional outcome of a cohort of elderly patients after open reduction and internal plate and screw fixation of distal humerus fractures.

Design: Retrospective review of a consecutive series of patients older than 60 years of age who underwent plate and screw fixation of a distal humerus fracture.

Materials and methods: Eighteen patients, aged 63 to 85 years (average, 71 years), underwent open reduction and internal fixation of a displaced distal humerus fracture using plates and screws. Three were Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen/Association for the Study of Internal Fixation (AO/ASIF) type A, 2 were type B, and 13 were type C fractures. The patients were reviewed at a minimum follow-up of 1 year after surgery.

Measurements and main results: All patients had a good or excellent clinical result using a standardized method of evaluation. General health status, as measured by the SF-36 Health Survey, was comparable to the published norms for U.S. male and female populations of similar age.

Conclusion: Open reduction and internal fixation of the distal humerus in the elderly can provide good clinical results. Good clinical results, however, do not imply good general health status.