Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow

Korean Shoulder and Elbow Society (대한견·주관절의학회)
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Orthogonal versus Parallel Plating for Distal Humeral Fractures

  • Moon, Jun-Gyu (Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Korea University Guro Hospital) ;
  • Lee, Ji-Ho (Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Korea University Guro Hospital)
  • Received : 2015.05.23
  • Accepted : 2015.06.08
  • Published : 2015.06.30
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Abstract

In orthopedic trauma surgery, treatment of intraarticular distal humerus fractures is a challenge. With development of implants and biomechanical studies, surgical strategies with recommendations including preoperative computed tomography images, proper approaches and open reduction and internal fixation with dual plates have emerged. In addition, as an effort to provide stable fixation to permit early elbow motion, different methods of internal fixation, particularly plate configuration, have evolved. Using dual plates, either oriented parallel to each other or orthogonal, stable fixation has been achieved and satisfactory clinical outcomes have been reported. With rationales and advantages/disadvantages of each plate configuration, both techniques are selected according to surgeons' preference, and, in specific cases, one could be preferred over another. The key to successful fixation by either technique is obtaining anatomical reduction with restoration of two stable columns of the distal humerus.

Keywords

References

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  1. WITHDRAWN: Functional outcomes of type C distal humerus fractures in adults fixed by orthogonal double plating 2017, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apme.2017.02.007