Objective:
The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical results and necessary of olecranon osteotomy by open reduction and internal fixation by parallel plating of distal humerus located close to intra-articular surface of distal humerus.
Materials and Methods:
43 patients were evaluated in this study separated into two groups. In group 1 olecranon osteotomy was performed and in group 2 paratricipital approach was performed to all patients. All patients were evaluated by hospital stay time, followup, surgical time, range of motion (ROM), complications and Mayo elbow performance scoring system functions.
Results:
Mean age was 44.35±11.61 (19-62) years. There was no statistically significant difference by age, sex, side distribution, hospital stay, follow-up time and ROM. Operation time was 133.04±18.14 minutes in Group 1 and 171±15.1 minutes in Group 2. There was statistically significant decrease in surgical time in Group 1 compared to group 2 (p:0.001; p<0.05). There was not any postoperative complication and union was achieved clinically and radiologically in both groups. Mayo elbow score was 85.65±4.34 while 90.25±4.13 in group 2 (p:0.001;p<0.05).
Conclusion:
There was better ROM and functional scores in paratrisipital approach group while only surgical time increased in this group. In conclusion, olecranon osteotomy should not be performed in intra-articular fractures of distal humerus whom treated by open reduction and parallel plating if it is not necessary to protect congruity of joint.
Keywords: Humerus, distal humerus fracture, olecranon osteotomy, paratrisipital approach, mayo elbow score