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European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery & Traumatology

01-07-2020 | General Review

Management of distal humerus fractures

Authors: Alexander Lauder, Marc J. Richard

Published in: European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery & Traumatology | Issue 5/2020

Abstract

Distal humeral fractures represent approximately 2% of fractures in adults and are often treated operatively to restore stable humeral columns and allow early elbow motion. Diagnosis is made with orthogonal radiographs. The traction view radiograph and computed tomography with three-dimensional reconstruction can be helpful in preoperative planning. Treatment options include: (1) nonoperative management, which is reserved for lower-demand, medically unwell, elderly patients, (2) surgical osteosynthesis, which remains the treatment of choice for most fractures, and (3) prosthetic replacement with either hemiarthroplasty or total elbow arthroplasty, which is indicated for distal complex comminuted fracture patterns in elderly, low-demand patients with poor bone quality. A thorough understanding of the anatomy around the elbow is critical when planning surgical approach and reduction. Controversies exist in the following areas: (1) surgical approach, (2) management of the ulnar nerve, (3) plating technique—parallel versus orthogonal, and (4) whether osteosynthesis or prosthetic elbow replacement is superior in the elderly population.

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Title: Management of distal humerus fractures
Authors: Alexander Lauder
Marc J. Richard
Publication date: 01-07-2020
Publisher: Springer Paris
Published in: European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery & Traumatology / Issue 5/2020
Print ISSN: 1633-8065
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1068
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00590-020-02626-1

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

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Management of distal humerus fractures

Abstract

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Abstract

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