Distribution of AO13-C fractures and results of double plating using triceps V-shaped transection versus olecranon osteotomy approach

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate the distribution of AO13-C fracture and evaluate the surgical results of olecranon osteotomy approach and triceps V-shaped transection approach. Materials and Methods: Retrospective analysis of 86 patients with intraarticular fracture of distal humerus treated with double plating through olecranon osteotomy or triceps V-shaped transection approach between January 2007 and May 2015 was conducted. Distribution in relation to age, gender, side, injury mechanism, concomitant injury, fracture type, and soft-tissue injury was investigated and evaluation of surgical results was performed. Results: Most patients were female, totaling 60 (69.77%). Of 60 female patients, ones aged 40–49 years were 26 (approximately 43.3%). Regardless of gender, most cases, 64 (74.4%) in all, occured on the left arm. Injury mechanisms of fifty cases (58.1%) were simple fall. In 18 cases occured by fall from height ipsilateral distal radial fracture were revealed, totalling 6 (33.3%). According to AO classificaiton, 74 (86%) cases were AO13-C2. At the time of the latest follow-up, flexion arc was 118° ± 1.1° in the triceps transection whereas 100° ± 1.1° in the olecranon osteotomy (P < 0.05). Conclusion: AO13-C fractures were occurred most commonly in the middle-aged women of forties, mainly on the left arm, by simple fall, with the similar configuration to AO13-C2.2 or Riseborough and Radin type II. In the fall from height ipsilateral distal radial fracture must be examined closely. Final functional range of motion, interestingly, was better in triceps V-shaped transection than olecranon osteotomy, implying the importance of postoperative physical therapy and relatively good prognosis of elbow injury in general.

Keywords

• ao13-c
• distal humerus
• distribution
• elbow
• epidemiology
• olecranon osteotomy