Is primary total elbow arthroplasty safe for the treatment of open intra-articular distal humerus fractures? (original) (raw)

Total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) is a viable treatment for elderly patients with distal humerus fracture who frequently present with low-grade open fractures. This purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of a protocol of serial irrigations and debridements (I&Ds) followed by primary TEA for the treatment of open intra-articular distal humerus fractures. Seven patients (mean 74 years; range 56-86 years) with open (two Grade I and five Grade 2) distal humerus fractures (OTA 13C) who were treated between 2001 and 2007 with a standard staged protocol that included TEA were studied. Baseline Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) scores were obtained during the initial hospitalization, and the 6- and 12-month follow-up visits. Elbow range of motion (ROM) measurements were obtained at each follow-up visit. Follow-up averaged 43 (range 4-138) months. There were no wound complications and no deep infections. Complications included one case of heterotopic ossification with...