Functional Results of Intercondylar Fractures of the Humerus Fixed with Dual Y-Plate; A Technical Note

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate and report the functional results of surgical management of intercondylar fractures of the humerus in adults using a novel dual plating technique.Methods: A total number of 60 patients with Riseborough and Radin type II, III, and IV intercondylar humerus fractures were operated with open reduction through a Trans-olecranon approach and internal fixation using two plates in inverted-Y configuration. Patients were followed for 6 weeks, 3 and 6 months were evaluated using the Mayo Elbow performance score and Quick-DASH score.Results: There were 50(83.33%)men and 10 (16.67%)women with mean age of 34.9 ± 12.63 years. 63.3% of the cases were following Motor vehicle accident and rest following fall. The right upper limb was more commonly affected than the left side. Riseborough and Radin type II fractures accounted for 3.33% of cases; type III fractures accounted for 50% of cases and type IV accounted for 46.67%. Excellent to Good results were seen in almost 80% of cases as per the Mayo Elbow performance score at 6-month follow-up. Quick-DASH scores for the series at 6-month follow-up was on average of 15.96 ± 9.92.Conclusion: Dual plating in inverted Y configuration offers a reliable fixation, which permits early mobilization and good functional outcome.

Keywords

• Intercondylar fracture
• Distal humerus
• Double plate
• Internal fixation