Thesis (Ph.D.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Medicine - Department of Orthopaedics Surgery

Background: Severe comminution, bone loss, and osteopenia at the site of a distal humeral fractures increase the risk of a poor outcome, often secondary to inadequate fixation. The aim of this study is the comparison of the effectiveness between distal humeral precontoured locking compression plates (LCP) and conventional reconstruction plates, fulfill the contemporary requirements as far as the early function and uncomplicated fracture union. Materials and methods: This was a Randomized controlled clinical trial study involving 30 patients with distal humeral fractures subdivided into two groups In each group there is 15 patients treated with ORIF by precontoured double anatomical locking plates and the other group treated with conventional reconstruction plate. Their Mean±SD age of the studied cases was 39.5±10.9 and 42.0±8.0 for locked and conventional groups respectively. The mean follow up period was 8.25 month. Patients were assessed clinically using Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS) and radiographically. Results: At the time of our final follow up the mean ROM of motion 123.30 and 114.30 in anatomical and convetional groups respectively and the union rate was 14 patients (93.3%) and 13 patients (86.7%) in anatomical and convetional groups respectively; With the Mean of MEPS was 77.7 and 73.0 in anatomical and convetional groups respectively. Conclusion: Stable fixation and a high rate of union and good functional results of distal humeral fractures can be achieved using both precontoured anatomical locking plates and conventional reconstruction plates

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