The advantages of uniplanar external fixator with a ball-and-socket hinge in treatment of patients with intraarticular fractures of distal humeral meta-epiphysis

The authors have revealed the advantages of using an external fixator with a ball-and-socket hinge for treatment of complete intraarticular fractures of distal humeral meta-epiphysis on the basis of the results of biomechanical and clinical studies. The method proposed has been used in 12 patients at the age of 18-64 years (mean age 39,5 years). Mean follow-up was 26,9 months (with the range from 12 to 36 months) after surgery. The indications for open reposition and internal fixation with reconstruction or congruent plates were intraarticular fractures of distal humeral met-epiphysis (C2-C3 type by AO classification). The external fixator with a bal-and-socket hinge was used in all the patients for the purpose of early passive mobilization in the elbow. The elbow stability was preserved as a result of treatment, as well as physiological range of movements was recovered in all the patients. Mean range of movements in the elbow amounted to: extension/flexion -0°/0°/130°±10°; pronation/supination - 70°±10°/0°/70°±10°. Mean score according to the Mayo clinic scale - 95 points (from 85 to 100 points).