Comparative study on curative effect of internal fixations with three dual plates for type C fractures of distal humerus

Objective To compare three different internal fixations using dual plates in treatment of type C distal humerus fractures.Methods A total of 59 patients with type C distal humerus fractures fixed with dual plates between January 2004 and December 2008 were enrolled in the study,including 34 patients managed by perpendicular dual plate internal fixation (Group A),14 patients by dorsal dual plate internal fixation (Group B),and 11 patients by parallel dual plate internal fixation (Group C).Functional outcomes of injured elbow joints were assessed using Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS).Fisher' s exact probability,chi-square test and variance analysis were used to compare the perioperative variables among groups.Results The patients were followed up for average 28 months (range,12-55 months),which showed that all fractures were smoothly healed with satisfactory curative effects in each group.There were no significant differences with respect to functional outcomes among three groups.The patients with surgery difficulty in Group C were more than those in other two groups.Besides,an additional intercondylar screw was always required in Groups A and B,but rarely in Group C.Conclusions All internal fixations with three dual plates are effective in management of type C distal humeral fractures.The location of plates is determined by experiences of orthopedic surgeons and specific fracture type. Key words: Humeral fractures ;  Fracture fixation, internal;  Treatment outcome