The outcome comparison of headless screws and Mini-plate for treating type B3 distal humerus fractures

Acta Orthop Belg. 2019 Mar;85(1):72-78.

Abstract

The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the outcome of headless screws and Mini-plate for treating Type B3 fractures of distal humerus. Seventeen patients with type B3 fracture were included and divided into headless screws group and Mini-plate group. Outcome was evaluated using Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), Short form 36 questionnaire (SF-36), visual analog score (VAS), and range of motion (ROM) at 12 months' follow-up. All patients received a minimum follow-up of 12 months. Postoperative complications mainly included elbow stiffness, heterotrophic ossification and elbow instability. At 12months' follow-up, the MEPS and physical components score of SF-36 in Mini-plate group were significantly higher than that in screw group. Moreover, cases undergoing Mini-plate treatment showed a tendency towards improved ROM of elbow and VAS. The Mini-plate was superior to headless screws on elbow function restoration in the management of type B3 distal humerus fractures.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Bone Plates*
  • Bone Screws*
  • Female
  • Fracture Fixation, Internal / methods*
  • Fracture Healing / physiology
  • Humans
  • Humeral Fractures / diagnostic imaging
  • Humeral Fractures / surgery*
  • Humerus / diagnostic imaging
  • Humerus / injuries
  • Humerus / surgery*
  • Male
  • Radiography
  • Range of Motion, Articular / physiology
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Treatment Outcome