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Published in: European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery 6/2010

01-12-2010 | Review Article

Definitive treatment in a spiral-fracture of the distal humerus shaft with severe osteoporosis after two failed osteosynthesis: problem and solution. A case report and literature review

Authors: F. Martetschlaeger, S. Siebenlist, G. Sandmann, T. Kraus, U. Stoeckle, M. Lucke

Published in: European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery | Issue 6/2010

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Abstract

Introduction

Osteoporotic fractures in the elderly are often complicated by delayed union, pseudarthrosis or implant failure and are associated with considerable morbidity and prolonged reconvalescence. At present there is cumulating recommendation to treat this kind of fractures with angular stable implants.

Case presentation

Herein, we report on the successful definitive treatment of a displaced comminuted spiral-fracture of the distal humerus shaft in an 89-year-old woman after two attempts of internal fixation with angular stable implants had failed in severely osteoporotic bone.

Conclusion

The present case illustrates the problems we have faced with after a single locking plate fixation, especially in poor bone, and shows a possible solution by performing a double(-locking)-plate fixation.
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Metadata
Title
Definitive treatment in a spiral-fracture of the distal humerus shaft with severe osteoporosis after two failed osteosynthesis: problem and solution. A case report and literature review
Authors
F. Martetschlaeger
S. Siebenlist
G. Sandmann
T. Kraus
U. Stoeckle
M. Lucke
Publication date
01-12-2010
Publisher
Urban and Vogel
Published in
European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery / Issue 6/2010
Print ISSN: 1863-9933
Electronic ISSN: 1863-9941
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00068-010-0024-y

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