Dietz S O, Burkhart K E, Nowak T E, Rommens P M, Müller L P
Center of Musculoskeletal Surgery, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany.
Department of Orthopedic and Trauma Surgery, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg. 2012 Dec;38(6):605-15. doi: 10.1007/s00068-012-0216-8. Epub 2012 Aug 21.
Fractures of the distal humerus in adults are rare but challenging for the orthopaedic trauma surgeon. The bimodal distribution reflects the trauma mechanism. While distal humerus fractures are caused by high-energy traumata in young male adults, a fall from a standing height is the most common reason for humerus fractures among elderly females. As a rule, fractures of the distal humerus are treated surgically. In young patients, open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with anatomic locking plates are the gold standard. In elderly patients, reconstruction is not always possible, and total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) becomes necessary. The present article provides an overview of the current diagnostic and treatment recommendations. The current literature is reviewed and the results discussed.
