Introduction Overview distal humerus fractures are traumatic injuries that include supracondylar fractures single column (condyle) fractures bicolumn fractures coronal shear fractures Epidemiology incidence accounts for 0.5-7% of all fractures accounts for 30% of elbow fractures demographics most common in young males and older females location distal intercondylar fractures are the most common fracture pattern Pathophysiology mechanism low energy falls in elderly high energy impact in younger population pathoanatomy elbow position affects fracture type elbow flexed < 90° axial load leads to transcolumnar fracture direct posterior blow leads to olecranon fracture with or without distal humerus involvement elbow flexed > 90° may lead to intercondylar fracture Associated injuries elbow dislocation terrible triad injury floating elbow Volkmann contracture results from missed forearm compartment syndrome Prognosis majority of patients regain 75% of elbow motion and strength goal is to restore elbow ROM 30-130° of flexion unsatisfactory outcomes in up to 25% treatment of these fractures is complex due to low fracture line of one or both columns metaphyseal fragmentation of one or both columns articular comminution poor bone quality Anatomy Osteology elbow is a hinged joint trochlea articulates with sigmoid notch allows for flexion and extension capitellum articulates with proximal radius allows for forearm rotation Muscles common flexors (originate from medial epicondyle) pronator teres flexor carpi radialis palmaris longus FDS FCU common extensors (originate from lateral epicondyle) anconeus ECRL ECRB extensor digitorum comminus EDM ECU Ligaments medial collateral ligament anterior bundle originates from distal medial epicondyle inserts on sublime tubercle primary restraint to valgus stress at the elbow from 30-120° tight in pronation lateral collateral ligament originates from distal lateral epicondyle inserts on crista supinatorus stabilizer against posterolateral rotational instability tight in supination Nerves ulnar nerve resides in the cubital tunnel in a subcutaneous position below the medial condyle radial nerve resides in the spiral groove 15cm proximal to distal humeral articular surface runs between brachioradialis and brachialis proximal to elbow divides into PIN and superficial radial nerve at the level of the radial head Classification Can be classified as supracondylar fractures distal single column fractures subclassified using Milch classification system (see table) lateral condyle more common than medial distal bicolumnar fractures classified using Jupiter classification system (see table) 5 major articular fragments have been identified capitellum/lateral trochlea lateral epicondyle posterolateral epicondyle posterior trochlea medial trochlea/epicondyle AO/OTA Classification of Distal Humerus Fractures Type A Extraarticular (supracondylar fracture),80% are extension type; epicondyle Type B Intraarticular-Single column (partial articular-isolated condylar, coronal shear, epicondyle with articular extension) Type C Intraarticular-Both columns fractured and no portion of the joint contiguous with the shaft (complete articular) Each type further divided by degree and location of fracture comminution Milch Classification of Single Column Condyle Fractures Milch Type I Lateral trochlear ridge intact Milch Type II Fracture through lateral trochlear ridge Jupiter Classification of Two-Column Distal Humerus Fractures High-T Transverse fx proximal to or at upper olecranon fossa Low-T Transverse fx just proximal to trochlea (common) Y Oblique fx line through both columns with distal vertical fx line H Trochlea is a free fragment (risk of AVN) Medial lambda Proximal fx line exists medially Lateral lambda Proximal fx line exists laterally Multiplane T T type with additional fracture in coronal plane Presentation Symptoms elbow pain and swelling Physical exam gross instability often present avoid ROM due to risk of neurovascular damage neurovascular exam check function of radial, ulnar, and median nerves check distal pulses brachial artery may be injured if pulse decreased, obtain noninvasive vascular studies and consult vascular surgery if abnormal monitor carefully for forearm compartment syndrome Imaging Radiographs recommended views AP lateral additional views obtain wrist radiographs if elbow injury present or distal tenderness on exam oblique and traction radiographs may assist with surgical planning specifically used to evaluate if there is continuity of the trochlear fragment with the medial epicondylar fragment, this can influence hardware choice CT often obtained for surgical planning especially helpful when shear fractures of the capitellum and trochlea are suspected MRI usually not indicated in acute injury Treatment Nonoperative cast immobilization indications nondisplaced Milch Type I fractures Operative closed reduction and percutaneous pinning (CRPP) indications displaced Mich Type I fractures ORIF indications supracondylar fractures intercondylar / bicolumnar fractures Milch Type II fractures total elbow arthroplasty indications distal bicolumnar fractures in elderly patients Techniques Cast Immobilization technique immobilize in supination for lateral condyle fractures immobilize in pronation for medial condyle fractures ORIF approach posterior superficial approach exposures triceps-splitting (Campbell) technique split triceps tendon in midline down to olecranon triceps-sparing (paratricipital, Alonso-Llames, medial and lateral windows) indications extra-articular fractures fractures with a simple articular split technique elevate triceps from the humerus using medial and lateral windows can be converted to olecranon osteotomy if needed olecranon osteotomy indications complex intra-articular fractures fractures with a coronal splint contraindications total elbow arthroplasty is planned/may be required technique perform chevron (apex distal) osteotomy fixation of osteotomy performed using a combination of screws, K wires, tension band or plate complications AIN nerve injury check ability to flex thumb interphalangeal joint in recovery triceps-reflecting (Bryan-Morrey) technique reflect triceps tendon, forearm fascia, and periosteum off the olecranon from medial to lateral repair through transosseous drill holes immobilize to protect triceps repair for 4-6 weeks postoperatively triceps-reflecting anconeous pedicle (O'Driscoll) technique elevate anconeous subperiosteally from proximal ulna lateral muscles interval technique elevate the ECRB and part of the ECRL off of the supracondylar ridge fixation perform provisional reduction with k-wires if metaphyseal injury is not comminuted, reducing one column to the metaphysis first may be beneficial perform fixation of articular fragments with countersunk/headless screws consider using positional screws when reducing trochlea to avoid narrowing it with compression perform fixation of condyles and epitrochlear ridge fix the lateral epicondyle using a tension band wire or plate fix the articular segment to the shaft using two plates in orthogonal planes new literature supports parallel plates if the ulnar nerve contacts medial hardware during flexion/extension, can perform an ulnar nerve transposition literature does not support decreased ulnar nerve symptoms with transposition postoperative splint elbow in 70° of flexion remove splint at 48 hours post-operatively and initiate ROM exercises if osteotomy performed active and active-assisted flexion and extension for 6 weeks no active extension against gravity or resistance no restrictions to rotation if osteotomy not performed active motion against gravity without restrictions no restrictions to rotation start gentle strengthening program at 6 weeks and full strengthening program at 3 months Total Elbow Arthroplasty indications communited articular fractures in osteoporotic bone inflammatory conditions (e.g. RA) complications specific to this treatment activity restrictions (e.g. can not lift more than 5 pounds) implant loosening polyethylene wear periprosthetic fracture Complications Elbow stiffness most common Heterotopic ossification seen in 8% routine prophylaxis is not warranted due to increased rate of nonunion in patients treated with indomethacin Nonunion low incidence avoid excessive soft-tissue stripping Malunion avoided by proper surgical technique cubitus valgus (lateral column fractures) cubitus varus (medial column fractures) AIN injury can be seen with olecranon osteotomy Ulnar nerve injury DJD
Technique Guide Technique guide are not considered high yield topics for orthopaedic standardized exams including the ABOS, EBOT and RC. Distal Humerus Fracture ORIF Orthobullets Team Trauma - Distal Humerus Fractures Technique Guide Technique guide are not considered high yield topics for orthopaedic standardized exams including the ABOS, EBOT and RC. Hinged Elbow External Fixator Orthobullets Team Trauma - Distal Humerus Fractures
QUESTIONS 1 of 21 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 Previous Next Sorry, this question is for PEAK Premium Subscribers only Upgrade to PEAK Sorry, this question is for PEAK Premium Subscribers only Upgrade to PEAK Sorry, this question is for PEAK Premium Subscribers only Upgrade to PEAK Sorry, this question is for PEAK Premium Subscribers only Upgrade to PEAK You have 100% on this question. Just skip this one for now. Take This Question Anyway (OBQ13.246) A 27-year-old male motorcyclist suffers a crash sustaining an isolated right distal humerus fracture. He was treated non-operatively. Ten months later, he returns complaining of limited range of motion and continued pain. Physical examination reveals range of motion of 30-90 degrees on the right and 0-130 degrees on the left. Imaging of his elbow is shown in Figure A and B. What is the most appropriate treatment to improve flexion? Review Topic QID: 4881 FIGURES: A B Type & Select Correct Answer 1 Continue therapy 2% (84/4897) 2 Indomethacin 1% (31/4897) 3 Radiation therapy 1% (41/4897) 4 Heterotopic ossification excision with release of the posterior band of the ulnar collateral ligament 83% (4067/4897) 5 Heterotopic ossification excision with release of the anterior band of the ulnar collateral ligament 13% (633/4897) L 2 Select Answer to see Preferred Response SUBMIT RESPONSE 4 Sorry, this question is for PEAK Premium Subscribers only Upgrade to PEAK You have 100% on this question. Just skip this one for now. Take This Question Anyway (OBQ12.227) Which of the following patients is most appropriately treated with a total elbow arthroplasty? Review Topic QID: 4587 Type & Select Correct Answer 1 42-year-old laborer with an open T-type supracondylar distal humerus fracture 1% (61/4647) 2 90-year-old male with a comminuted transolecranon fracture-dislocation of the elbow 12% (543/4647) 3 66-year old female with a coronal shear fracture of the distal humerus 4% (205/4647) 4 50-year-old male with a nonunion of a supracondylar humerus fracture 4% (192/4647) 5 86-year-old female with a comminuted bicolumnar distal humerus fracture 78% (3609/4647) L 2 Select Answer to see Preferred Response SUBMIT RESPONSE 5 Sorry, this question is for PEAK Premium Subscribers only Upgrade to PEAK Sorry, this question is for PEAK Premium Subscribers only Upgrade to PEAK Sorry, this question is for PEAK Premium Subscribers only Upgrade to PEAK Sorry, this question is for PEAK Premium Subscribers only Upgrade to PEAK Sorry, this question is for PEAK Premium Subscribers only Upgrade to PEAK You have 100% on this question. Just skip this one for now. Take This Question Anyway (OBQ09.138) A 33-year-old male sustains a distal humerus fracture and is treated with open reduction and internal fixation of the distal humerus with olecranon osteotomy. A postoperative radiograph is shown in Figure A. A new deficit of the anterior interosseous nerve is now noted in the recovery room. What physical exam finding would be expected with this nerve injury? Review Topic QID: 2951 FIGURES: A Type & Select Correct Answer 1 Inability to flex radiocarpal joint 1% (48/3611) 2 Loss of sensation over palmar aspect of thumb 1% (43/3611) 3 Loss of sensation over dorsal hand first webspace 1% (50/3611) 4 Inability to abduct index finger 1% (52/3611) 5 Inability to flex thumb interphalangeal joint 94% (3388/3611) L 1 Select Answer to see Preferred Response SUBMIT RESPONSE 5 Sorry, this question is for PEAK Premium Subscribers only Upgrade to PEAK Sorry, this question is for PEAK Premium Subscribers only Upgrade to PEAK Sorry, this question is for PEAK Premium Subscribers only Upgrade to PEAK Sorry, this question is for PEAK Premium Subscribers only Upgrade to PEAK Sorry, this question is for PEAK Premium Subscribers only Upgrade to PEAK Sorry, this question is for PEAK Premium Subscribers only Upgrade to PEAK You have 100% on this question. Just skip this one for now. Take This Question Anyway (OBQ05.204) An 85-year-old woman falls and injures her elbow in her non-dominant arm. Radiographs are shown in Figure A and B. She also suffers from severe osteoporosis, lives independently, and is a low-level community ambulator. Which of the following is the most appropriate treatment? Review Topic QID: 1090 FIGURES: A B Type & Select Correct Answer 1 Hinged elbow brace 5% (75/1605) 2 Olecranon osteotomy, articular ORIF, locked lateral plating 3% (50/1605) 3 Triceps-splitting approach with double plate fixation 5% (78/1605) 4 Total elbow arthroplasty 78% (1248/1605) 5 Casting for 4 weeks then ROM 9% (145/1605) L 2 Select Answer to see Preferred Response SUBMIT RESPONSE 4 You have 100% on this question. Just skip this one for now. Take This Question Anyway (OBQ04.239) What is the most common complication of the fracture seen in figure A, if operatively treated as seen in figure B? Review Topic QID: 1344 FIGURES: A B Type & Select Correct Answer 1 Decreased elbow range of motion 89% (1320/1476) 2 Wound healing complications 2% (24/1476) 3 Iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury 4% (57/1476) 4 Inadvertent intra-articular hardware penetration 3% (47/1476) 5 Nonunion of the distal humerus fracture 2% (23/1476) L 1 Select Answer to see Preferred Response SUBMIT RESPONSE 1
Evidence When can I remove the recon plates for an intercondylar humerus fracture with wound problems? Trauma - Distal Humerus Fractures
All Videos (7) Podcasts (1) Login to View Community Videos Login to View Community Videos 2018 Orthopaedic Summit Evolving Techniques Distal Humerus Fractures: Plate 'em - Scott Steinmann, MD (OSET 2018) Scott Steinmann Trauma - Distal Humerus Fractures 8/23/2019 395 views Login to View Community Videos Login to View Community Videos 2019 Orthopaedic Trauma & Fracture Care: Pushing the Envelope Distal Humerus Fractures: Strategies for Success - Harmeeth Uppal, MD (OTFC 2019, 3.6) Harmeeth Uppal Trauma - Distal Humerus Fractures 3/27/2019 423 views Login to View Community Videos Login to View Community Videos 29th Orthopaedic Trauma - What We Need to Know in 2017 Debate: Treatment of Comminuted Interaarticular Fracture Distal Humerus in 60 Year Old Golfer - I do Total Elbow Arthroplasty - R. Kumar Kadiyala, MD- (NYT#42 - S7-5 - 2017) R. Kumar Kadiyala Trauma - Distal Humerus Fractures 10/4/2017 765 views Login to View Community Videos Login to View Community Videos 29th Orthopaedic Trauma - What We Need to Know in 2017 Debate: Treatment of Comminuted Interaarticular Fracture Distal Humerus in 60 Year Old Golfer - I do ORIF - Mark Baratz, MD - (NYT #41 - S7-4 - 2017) Mark Baratz Trauma - Distal Humerus Fractures 10/4/2017 481 views Login to View Community Videos Login to View Community Videos 29th Orthopaedic Trauma - What We Need to Know in 2017 Distal Humerus - R. Kumar Kadiyala, MD - (NYT#4 - S1-4 - 2017) R. Kumar Kadiyala Trauma - Distal Humerus Fractures 10/3/2017 464 views Upgrade to View Premium Videos Upgrade to View Premium Videos video for case c1883 Surendra Shetty Trauma - Distal Humerus Fractures 5/1/2014 1181 views Upgrade to View Premium Videos Upgrade to View Premium Videos Distal Humerus C3 Fracture Joshua Blomberg Trauma - Distal Humerus Fractures 1/11/2013 1598 views Trauma⎜Distal Humerus Fractures (ft. Dr. Joaquin Sanchez-Sotelo) Team Orthobullets 4 Trauma - Distal Humerus Fractures Listen Now 19:27 min 4 weeks ago 7 plays See More See Less
Elbow fracture in 76F (C101222) Trauma - Distal Humerus Fractures 8/3/2019 419 3 4 Communited supracondylar and intercondylar fracture of the rt elbow (C101200) yogesh Salphale Trauma - Distal Humerus Fractures 7/7/2019 18 0 1 2019 Orthopaedic Trauma & Fracture Care: Pushing the Envelope Distal Humerus Fx in Obese 50M (C101156) Harmeeth Uppal Trauma - Distal Humerus Fractures 1/17/2019 435 3 3 See More See Less