• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.120-126
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• 2018

Background: Treatment of distal humerus fractures in osteoporotic elderly patients is often challenging. For non-reconstructible fractures with open reduction and internal fixation, total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) is an acceptable alternative. However, the relatively high complication rates and lifelong activity restrictions make TEA less ideal for elderly or low-demand patients. Efforts to identify or develop alternate procedures that benefit relatively young, high-demand patients have resulted in increased interest in hemiarthroplasty. This systematic review reports the clinical outcomes of hemiarthroplasty for distal humeral fractures. Methods: We systematically reviewed the databases of PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library. All English-language studies published before June 2017 were considered for possible inclusion. Search terms included 'distal humerus fracture' and 'hemiarthroplasty'. Studies reporting outcomes (and a minimum of 1 year clinical follow-up) in human subjects after hemiarthroplasty (Latitude system) for distal humeral fractures were assessed for inclusion. Patient demographics, clinical and radiographic outcomes, and complications were recorded, and homogenous outcome measures were analyzed. Results: Nine studies with a total of 115 patients met the inclusion criteria. Among the included studies, the weighted mean follow-up time was 35.4 months. Furthermore, the weighted mean of the postoperative range of motion ($107.6^{\circ}$ flexion-extension, $157.5^{\circ}$ for pronation-supination) and functional outcomes (Mayo elbow performance scores: 85.8, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score: 19.6) were within the acceptable range. Conclusions: Our study indicates that hemiarthroplasty is a viable option for comminuted distal humerus fracture. Satisfactory functional outcomes were observed in most patients.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.20-26
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• 2020

Background: High complication rate after open reduction and internal fixation can lead to use of primary total elbow replacement (TER) in treatment of complex distal humerus fractures in elderly patients. The purpose of this study was to investigate the short-term outcomes and complications after primary TER in patients with complex distal humerus fracture. Methods: Nine patients with acute complex distal humerus fracture were treated by primary TER using the semiconstrained Coonrad-Morrey prosthesis. The mean age of patients was 72.7 years (range, 63-85 years). Clinical and radiographic outcomes were evaluated over a mean follow-up of 29.0 months (range, 12-65 months) using visual analog scale (VAS) score for pain; Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS); Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (Quick-DASH) score; and serial plain radiographs. Complications were also evaluated. Results: At the final follow-up, mean VAS, MEPS, and Quick-DASH scores were 1.2, 80.5, and 20, respectively. The mean range of motion was 127.7° of flexion, 13.8° of extension, 73.3° of pronation, and 74.4° of supination. There was no evidence of bushing wear or high-grade implant loosening on serial plain radiographs. Three complications (33.3%) comprising two periprosthetic fractures and one ulnar neuropathy were observed. Conclusions: Primary TER for treatment of complex distal humerus fractures in elderly patients yielded satisfactory short-term outcomes. However, surgeons should consider the high complication rate after primary TER.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.94-99
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• 2020

Background: Intra-articular distal humeral fractures can be surgically challenging. It remains under discussion whether open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) or total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) is more beneficial for treatment of the elderly. This study aimed to compare the clinical and functional outcomes of ORIF and TEA for managing intra-articular distal humerus fractures in patients aged 65 years or older. Methods: Patients who underwent ORIF (n=28) or TEA (n=43) for in intra-articular distal humerus fracture between May 2008 and December 2018 were reviewed. Range of motion, Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score, radiologic outcomes, and surgical complications were evaluated at the final follow-up visit. Results: The ORIF and TEA groups showed a mean arc of flexion-extension of 97°±21° and 101°±12°, respectively. The mean MEPS and DASH scores were 94±15 and 27±12 points, respectively, in the ORIF group and 81±27 and 47±28 points in the TEA group. This difference was statistically significant. The incidence of total complications was similar between the groups. Conclusions: In patients older than 65 years with intra-articular distal humerus fracture, ORIF had better outcomes than TEA.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.52 no.6
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• pp.710-712
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• 2009

We describe the case of a 4-month-old male infant diagnosed with early congenital syphilis during evaluation of a left distal humerus fracture. This report emphasizes the importance of screening for syphilis among pregnant women and newborns, and is a reminder of the continued existence of congenital syphilis.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.146-152
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• 2011

Purpose: To describe the recent clinical results and complications of total elbow arthroplasty based on the literature review. Materials and Methods: The indications of total elbow arthroplasty include rheumatoid or inflammatory arthritis, posttraumatic arthritis, anklylosed elbow, tumor resection which cannot recover elbow function by other reconstructive procedures, and comminuted distal humerus fracture in elderly patients. Complications are aspetic loosening, infection, prosthesis fracture, periprosthetic fracture, ulnar neuropathy, ectopic ossification, triceps insufficiency, dislocation, and bushing wear. Results and Conclusion: Mean 10 year survival rate following total elbow arthroplasty has been reported 85% on the basis of revision. The prognosis in patients with an inflammatory arthritis is reported to be best, and loosening rate in patients with a posttraumatic arthritis tends to be high. Complication rate is known to be higher than that of other joint arthroplasty. In particular, deep infection occurs in 3~5% of the patients. Total elbow arthroplasty provide satisfactory results when it is performed properly in selected patients who have an elbow joint with irreversible dysfunction and low level activities.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.229-236
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• 2016

Background: Cubitus varus and cubitus valgus deformities are common complications of distal humeral fractures in children. We evaluated the usefulness of supracondylar dome osteotomy as a treatment option for adults with cubitus varus or valgus deformity developed during childhood. Methods: Ten patients who had received supracondylar dome osteotomy and stabilization with plates to treat cubitus varus or valgus deformity between July 2006 and August 2013 were included in this study. Their mean age at the time of surgery was $36.50{\pm}10.22years$. The mean follow-up duration was $54.80{\pm}32.50months$. We evaluated humerus-elbow-wrist angles (HEWA), improvements in the lateral prominence index (LPI) or medial prominence index (MPI), Mayo elbow performance scores (MEPS), and overall results in accordance with the Banerjee criteria. Results: For the six patients with cubitus varus, the mean postoperative HEWA, mean correction angle, and mean improvement in LPI were $9.72^{\circ}{\pm}3.95^{\circ}$, $27.67^{\circ}{\pm}10.75^{\circ}$, and $6.92%{\pm}3.40%$, respectively. For the four patients with cubitus valgus, the mean postoperative HEWA, mean correction angle, and mean improvement in MPI were $14.73^{\circ}{\pm}2.97^{\circ}$, $11.55^{\circ}{\pm}3.26^{\circ}$, and $11.33%{\pm}6.39%$, respectively. There was no significant difference between postoperative and preoperative mean MEPS. The subjective ulnar nerve symptoms were alleviated in all patients. The overall results were excellent in six and good in four patients. Conclusions: This study suggests that supracondylar dome osteotomy with secure fixation using double plates may be useful in correcting cubitus varus or cubitus valgus deformity, yielding good functional outcomes in adults.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.33-39
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• 2013

Purpose: The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical result of intra-articular fractures of the distal humerus (AO type C) in elderly osteoporotic patients treated with double tension band osteosynthesis. Materials and Methods: From January 2006 to December 2010, 10 elderly osteoporotic patients(1 male, 9 females) with intra-articular fractures of the distal humerus (AO type C) were treated with double tension band osteosynthesis. The mean age of patients at the time of surgery was 74.6(66~84) years and the mean follow-up period was 39.2(20~74) months. The fracture union and complications were assessed and the functional result was evaluated by the rating system of Jupiter et al. and the Mayo elbow performance index. Results: Bone union was achieved in all patients with no secondary displacement. The mean time for union was 16.6(13~22) weeks. The average postoperative arc of elbow flexion was 119(100~140) degrees with a mean flexion contracture of 8.5(0~15) degrees. The recovery in two patients was rated as excellent, in 7 as good, and in 1 as fair in terms of the Mayo elbow performance index with average value of 82(70~90) points. Seven patients were rated as excellent, 1 as good, and 2 as fair in terms of the rating system of Jupiter et al. Changing tension band wiring was performed in one patient as skin irritation was noticed due to tension band knots. Heterotopic ossification developed in one patient but had no symptom. Conclusion: Double tension band osteosynthesis in intra-articular fractures of distal humerus (AO type C) in elderly osteoporotic patients can provide sufficient and secure stability to allow early rehabilitation.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.130-137
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• 2012

Purpose: To evaluate and report the clinical outcome after surgical treatment of intra-articular comminuted fracture of distal humerus in the elderly with osteoporosis. Materials and Methods: From January 2007 to October 2009, 24 patients aged older than 65 years with intra-articular comminuted fracture of distal humerus underwent surgical treatment. 18 patients (Group I) were managed using primary open reduction and internal fixation (OR IF) through the modified posterior approach and 6 patients (Group II) were taken primary total elbow arthroplasty. The average follow up period was 17.2 months. According to the AO classification, there were 8 C2, 16 C3 type fractures. All enrolled patients were evaluated radiographically and clinically. Clinical outcomes were assessed with the Mayo Elbow Performance, Disabilities of Arm and Shoulder and Hand, and Musculoskeletal Functional Assessment functional questionnaires. Results: The bony union was observed in 18 patients in group I at average 14 weeks. There were 2 patients with neurapraxia of whom the ulnar nerve symptom did not improve despite of anterior transposition. And non-union at osteotomy sites was seen in 2 patients. The mean Mayo Elbow Performance score was 87.0. The mean DASH score was 32.4. The average arc of elbow flexion was $121.0^{\circ}$ (range, $95{\sim}145^{\circ}$) with mean flexion-contracture of $12.0^{\circ}$ (range, 0 to 35). 6 patients in Group II showed no complication during follow up periods. The mean Mayo Elbow Performance score was 89.1. The mean DASH score was 44.3. The average arc of elbow flexion was $125.1^{\circ}$ (range, $100{\sim}145^{\circ}$) with mean flexion-contracture of $12.6^{\circ}$ (range, 0 to 30). Conclusions: With careful patient selection, Total elbow arthroplasty as well as OR IF could achieve good outcomes in elderly of comminuted intra-articular distal humerus fracture with osteoporosis.