Intraarticular fractures of the distal humerus in the adult.

Intraarticular fractures of the distal humerus are notoriously difficult to treat. Three basic treatment methods are available: closed reduction, traction, and open treatment. In the past, functional results with all these methods generally have been poor because of disabling limitations of elbow motion. Thirteen adult patients were treated by open reduction and application of medial and lateral buttress plates providing rigid internal fixation and early motion. The patients were evaluated for range of motion, infection, nerve injury, avascular necrosis, myositis ossificans, varus/valgus deformity, pain, instability, weakness, and degenerative changes. Ten of the 13 patients were available for follow-up study for an average of two years. Nine of the ten achieved good or excellent results. Based on these observations, the treatment of choice is internal fixation with dual plates combined with early active postoperative motion.