Background: Although open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) is a standard fracture treatment method, the optimal way to expose a fracture prior to ORIF is debated. We compared the effects of two exposure methods, the triceps-sparing approach and olecranon osteotomy, on the functional outcomes of ORIF-treated type C distal humerus fractures in elderly people.
Methods: From January 2006 to January 2011, 75 elderly patients with type C distal humerus fractures were treated with ORIF, and we retrospectively reviewed their medical records, radiographs, and follow-up charts to identify any complications. Patients' Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) and range of motion were determined at their final clinic visit.
Results: Sixty-seven patients (89 %) attended the final visit. Of these patients, 36 received olecranon osteotomy and 31 received the triceps-sparing approach. For patients with type C1 and C2 fractures, we observed reductions in procedure times, blood loss, complication rates, and MEPS outcomes (all P < 0.01) with the triceps-sparing approach compared with olecranon osteotomy. Except for MEPS outcomes, all of these approach-related improvements were also statistically significantly for type C3 fractures (all P < 0.01). Overall, we did not observe any cases of fracture nonunion, implantation breakage or loosening, or elbow stiffening in our series.
Conclusions: In our study, we found better functional outcomes for type C1 and C2 distal humerus fractures that were exposed using the triceps-sparing approach rather than olecranon osteotomy. Even for the most complex type of fracture, C3 fractures, similar recoveries in elbow function were achieved using either approach.
Level of evidence: Level III.