Clinical observation of treatment of humeral and distal humeral fracture with internal fixation of doubles buttress-plates by posterior approach

Objective:To explore the clinical efficacy of posterior approach treatment with internal fixation of doubles buttress-plates.Methods:From July 2003 to November 2010,eight patients with humeral and distal humeral fracture were treated by posterior approach internal fixation with doubles buttress-plates.There were seven males and one female,with the average age of 32 years(range,20～51 years),two cases were left side fracture.According to AO classification,there were four cases of type A2,one case of type A3,one case of type B1,one case of type B2,and one case of type C1.All cases were close fractures,without radial nerve injury.The time before operation was 7 to 12 days,with the mean of eight days.Results: All the patients were followed up from 8 to 18 months,with the mean of 15 months.All fractures were completely healed.The healing time ranged from 18 to 28 weeks,with the mean of 16 weeks.No iatrogenic radial nerve injury or failure of internal fixation occurred.The range of motion of the elbow joint was 120°to 140°,with the mean of 135°.According to the Cassebaum scale,the rating of good to excellent scores was 87.5%.Conclusion:The posterior approach of internal fixation with double buttress-plates is an effective treatment of humeral and distal humeral fractures,with reliable fixation,high healing rate,and few complications.