Distal Humerus-The Olecranon Osteotomy: A Six-year Experience in the Treatment of Intraarticular Fractures of the Distal Humerus

The Olecranon Osteotomy: A Six-year Experience in the Treatment of Intraarticular Fractures of the Distal Humerus

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The study evaluated the use of the olecranon osteotomy technique for the treatment of intraarticular fractures of the distal humerus. The goal of the technique is to improve articular visualization and allow for accurate reduction of the fracture. The study reviewed 114 patients with distal humerus fractures who were treated using the technique. Seventy fractures (61%) were managed using the olecranon osteotomy, while soft-tissue mobilizing exposures were performed in the remaining 44 fractures (39%). <br /><br />The study found that the use of the olecranon osteotomy increased in proportion to the complexity of the fracture, with a higher percentage of olecranon osteotomies performed in fractures with greater articular comminution. The study also evaluated the adequacy of articular reduction and found that all patients treated using the olecranon osteotomy demonstrated satisfactory radiographic distal humeral articular reductions. <br /><br />Complications associated with the olecranon osteotomy included nonunion and implant prominence. In this study, there were no cases of osteotomy nonunion, but 2 cases required early revision due to loss of osteotomy reduction. Symptomatic olecranon fixation requiring removal occurred in approximately 8% of patients, and an additional 21% had olecranon implants removed in conjunction with other surgical procedures. <br /><br />Overall, the study concluded that the olecranon osteotomy can be useful in the visualization of complex articular injuries and allows for accurate articular reduction. The technique has a low rate of complications, particularly when secure stabilization is obtained.

Keywords

olecranon osteotomy

intraarticular fractures

distal humerus

articular visualization

fracture reduction

soft-tissue mobilizing exposures

articular comminution

radiographic distal humeral articular reductions

nonunion

implant prominence