Technique for Arthroscopic-Assisted Reduction and Cannulated Screw Fixation for Coronal Shear Fractures of the Distal Humerus

Abstract

Several articles have described arthroscopic fixation of coronal shear fractures of the distal humerus. However, not all of them have used purely arthroscopic techniques. In this Technical Note we describe another technique for intra-articular distal humeral fracture fixation using arthroscopy alone. Standard proximal anteromedial, proximal anterolateral, and posterolateral viewing portals are established with soft spot portal for reduction. During intra-articular examination, the fragment involving the capitellum and the trochlea as 1 piece is detected. Closed manipulative reduction under anesthesia is conducted with distraction, varus force, and gradual elbow extension. After closed reduction, reduction of the fragment more precisely under arthroscopic visualization using probe and elevator is performed. The fragment is temporarily fixed using 2 Kirschner wires from posterior direction. Anatomic reduction is confirmed with an image intensifier. Screw guide pin is inserted posteroanteriorly under image intensification, and a headless compression screw is placed over each wire. We describe a safe, reproducible, and minimal invasive technique for the arthroscopic treatment of coronal shear fractures of the distal humerus.