The use of bioresorbable implants in combined osteosynthesis of an intra-articular fracture of the distal humerus (case report)

Abstract

Intra-articular fractures of the elbow joint are severe for the treatment of damage. Methods of treatment of intra-articular fractures of the distal humerus are immersion osteosynthesis with spokes and screws, bone and transosseous osteosynthesis. However, the percentage of complications and unsatisfactory outcomes of surgical treatment of these injuries remains high. The unsatisfactory results of treatment include contractures, ossification, post-traumatic arthrosis, as well as purulent-inflammatory complications of surgical treatment. Our accumulated experience of osteosynthesis of intra-articular fractures of the distal humerus with the help of submersible implants, experience of hardware treatment of joint injuries and their consequences (developed in the Department of Adult Orthopedics of the National Medical Research Center for Traumatology and Orthopedics named after N.N. Priorov), allowed us to offer surgical techniques for the combined use of these methods. The article presents a case of successful surgical treatment of a patient with a comminuted intra-articular fracture of the distal humerus by osteosynthesis with bioresorbable implants in combination with a hinge-distraction apparatus for external fixation by O.V. Oganesyan. A detailed description of the technique of osteosynthesis, postoperative rehabilitation is given. The described clinical case shows the effectiveness of the combined osteosynthesis technique and the advantages of using bioresorbable fixators over metal implants.

Keywords

• combined osteosynthesis
• biodegradable implants
• elbow joint
• osteosynthesis