Abstract

• PURPOSE: To evaluate the therapeutic results of intra-articular fracture of distal humerus treated through triceps sparing posterior approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From February 2001 to December 2003, we reviewed total 9 cases of intra-articular fracture of distal humerus, which were treated by surgical treatment and were followed more than for 12 months. According to the OTA classification, nine cases were classified as type A; two, as type C1; five, as type C2; two. Triceps sparing posterior approach was used in all nine patients. An extensile posterior incision was used over the olecranon without triceps muscle injury. Exposure of the fracture site was done by obtaining medial-lateral mobility through dissection of medial and lateral edge of triceps muscle. Therapeutic results were assessed by bone union, duration for fracture union, complication. and for functional estimation, Mayo elbow performance score was checked and analysed. RESULTS: The range of the elbow joint motion was flexion contracture 5.2 degree to further flexion 135.5 degree on average. Clinical results using Mayo elbow performance score were as follows; six excellent, three good. Compressive neuropathy of ulnar nerve which has been done anterior transposition was observed in one patient. CONCLUSION: Triceps sparing posterior approach is useful surgical technique that provides sufficient exposure of medial and lateral condyle without injury of triceps muscle in intra-articular fracture of distal humerus to the extent of OTA type C2.
• Key words: Intra-articular fracture, Distal humerus, Triceps sparing approach

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