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Published in: MUSCULOSKELETAL SURGERY 1/2016

01-12-2016 | Original Article

Double-locking precontoured plating system for malunited fractures of the distal end of humerus

Authors: L. Tarallo, R. Mugnai, M. Rocchi, C. Rovesta, F. Catani

Published in: MUSCULOSKELETAL SURGERY | Special Issue 1/2016

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Abstract

Background

Distal humeral malunions are uncommon injuries, often associated with limited elbow motion, pain, instability, weakness, and sometimes ulnar neuritis. The complex anatomy of the elbow joint makes this condition one of the most complex elbow injuries to treat.

Materials and methods

Four patients were treated by the same surgeon between 2011 and 2013 using a double-locking precontoured plating system for malunited intra-articular or extra-articular fractures of the distal end of the humerus.

Results

At a mean 3 years of follow-up, a significant improvement in the elbow motion and functional outcome, evaluated with the Mayo Elbow Performance Index and the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand, were observed. Articular reduction obtained after the surgery was maintained in all patients without evidence of avascular necrosis. No other complications (i.e., infection, nervous iatrogenic lesions) were reported.

Conclusions

Corrective osteotomy using double-locking precontoured plating system preceded by preoperative planning using a CT scan allowed an improvement in the functional outcome and elbow motion, without complications.
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Metadata
Title
Double-locking precontoured plating system for malunited fractures of the distal end of humerus
Authors
L. Tarallo
R. Mugnai
M. Rocchi
C. Rovesta
F. Catani
Publication date
01-12-2016
Publisher
Springer Milan
Published in
MUSCULOSKELETAL SURGERY / Issue Special Issue 1/2016
Print ISSN: 2035-5106
Electronic ISSN: 2035-5114
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12306-016-0420-5

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