Functional Outcome of Bicolumn Locking Plate Osteosynthesis in Intra Articular Fractures in Distal Humerus
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70749/ijbr.v3i6.2807Keywords:
Distal Humerus Fractures, Elbow Joint, Fracture Fixation, Internal Fixation, Orthopedic Procedures.Abstract
Background: Intra-articular fractures of the distal humerus are a complex type of fracture that involves the elbow joint. Such fractures may cause pain, stiffness, and disability if not properly addressed. Fractures of the distal humerus are caused by high-energy trauma in young patients and low-energy trauma in elderly patients. Such fractures require surgical stabilization to permit early joint mobilization. Objective: To determine the frequency of functional outcome of bicolumn locking plate osteosynthesis in intra articular fractures in distal humerus. Study Design: Descriptive cross sectional study. Duration and Place of Study: This study was conducted from October 2024 to April 2025 in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery Khyber Teaching Hospital Peshawar. Methodology: A total of 157 patients aged 18 to 60 years with intra-articular distal humerus fractures were included. Patients underwent open reduction and internal fixation using bicolumn locking plates in 90–90 configuration. Functional outcome was assessed at 12 weeks using Mayo Elbow Performance Score. Data was analyzed using statistical software. Chi square test or Fisher exact test was applied after stratification. Results: The mean age was 41.01 ± 11.84 years. Excellent outcome was observed in 49.7% patients, good in 29.9%, fair in 12.7% and poor in 7.6% patients. No significant association was found between functional outcome and age, gender, residential status, socioeconomic status or ASA grade (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Bicolumn locking plate osteosynthesis provides good functional outcome in intra-articular distal humerus fractures and allows early mobilization with stable fixation.
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