Orthogonal versus Parallel Plating for Distal Humeral Fractures

Orthogonal versus parallel plating in pediatric distal humeral fractures: a systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

This systematic review and meta-analysis compared orthogonal and parallel plating techniques for these fractures, focusing on functional recovery, complication rates, and biomechanical stability.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was conducted on January 25, 2025, across PubMed, EMBASE, Europe PMC, and Scopus. Studies involving pediatric patients (aged 0-18 years) with distal humeral fractures treated using orthogonal or parallel plating were included. Eligible studies reported outcomes such as Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), range of motion (ROM), union time, and non-union rate. Two independent reviewers extracted data, and study quality was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias (RoB) tool version 2.0. Statistical analyses were performed using a random-effects model in RStudio.

RESULTS

From an initial pool of 659 records, five studies (three randomized controlled trials [RCTs] and two cohort studies) met the inclusion criteria. Meta-analyses revealed no significant differences between orthogonal and parallel plating in MEPS (SMD - 0.25, p = 0.07), ROM (SMD - 0.15, p = 0.27), flexion range (SMD - 0.11, p = 0.46), non-union rate (RR 1.01, p = 0.99), union time (RR 1.01, p = 0.99), or surgical duration (SMD 0.06, p = 0.74). However, orthogonal plating showed a statistically significant advantage in extension range (SMD 0.45, p = 0.005). The risk of bias was minimal, and the certainty of evidence was rated as high.

CONCLUSIONS

Both orthogonal and parallel plating techniques demonstrated comparable efficacy in managing pediatric distal humeral fractures, with no significant differences in most outcomes. Orthogonal plating exhibited a slight advantage in extension range, though its clinical relevance requires further investigation.

Achieving torsional stability of distal femur fractures through a single approach using 90-90 construct

Distal femoral fractures (DFFs) are frequently characterised by significant comminution, osteoporosis, high implant failure, insufficient fixation because of a shortened distal part, non-union, malunion, and poor outcome. Our report presents two cases treated with dual plating in a 90-90 construct to achieve torsional stability. DFF fixation by dual plating in a 90-90 configuration proved to be a superior fixation similar to 90-90 plating for distal humerus fracture, since 90-90 plate fixation had significantly greater torque to failure load and has more resistance to torsional loading. Two cases of distal femur non-union with implant failure were treated utilising a double plating. These non-union cases exhibited radiological healing and knee range of motion at a mean follow-up of 6 months. This technique offers a modified way of treating these difficult non-union cases through a single incision, providing mechanical stability conducive to fracture healing.

Risk factors for nonunion in patients with transcondylar fracture of the distal humerus after open reduction and internal fixation

BACKGROUND

Transcondylar fractures have been reported to rarely occur in the distal humerus, and stable fixation is difficult because of the unique fracture pattern. However, few studies have reported the risk factors for nonunion after open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). This study aimed to evaluate the demographic and surgical risk factors for nonunion in patients who had undergone ORIF for transcondylar fractures.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 68 patients who underwent ORIF for transcondylar fractures. Preoperative demographic factors, including diabetes mellitus (DM) and smoking, and operative factors, including fixation methods (eg, dual plate/single plate/tension band wiring [TBW]) were assessed as risk factors for nonunion.

RESULTS

Nonunion occurred in 8 out of 68 patients (11.8%). Univariate analysis revealed that among the demographic factors, DM (4/8 [50%] vs. 8/60 [13.3%], P = .028) and smoking (3/8 [37.5%] vs. 4/60 [6.7%], P = .031) were significantly different between nonunion and union patients. Regarding operative factors, the fixation method (dual plate/single plate/TBW; 2 [25.0%]/2 [25.0%]/4 [50%] vs. 29 [48.3%]/25 [41.7%]/6 [10.0%], P = .033) showed significant differences between nonunion and union patients. Multivariate regression analysis showed that DM (odds ratio [OR], 10.560; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.308-85.247; P = .027), smoking (OR 22.371; 95% CI, 2.111-237.081; P = .010), and TBW (OR 15.390; 95% CI, 1.348-175.666; P = .028) were independent risk factors for nonunion.

CONCLUSIONS

Nonunion occurred in approximately 12% of the patients who underwent ORIF in the transcondylar region of the distal humerus. The risk of nonunion was higher in patients with DM than those who smoked. In addition, among the fixation methods, the TBW technique was a significant risk factor for nonunion.

Complications associated with open reduction and internal fixation for adult distal humerus fractures: a multicenter retrospective study

Background

Open reduction and plate fixation are the preferred treatment options for most distal humerus fractures in adults. However, it is often challenging for orthopedic surgeons because of the complex anatomy and the difficulty in achieving stable fixation. This multicenter study aimed to analyze the complication types and rates of patients with distal humerus fractures treated with open reduction and plate fixation, and compare the results with those found in the literature. In addition, we describe the clinical outcomes.

Methods

This retrospective multicenter study was conducted between September 2001 and March 2021 and included data from four hospitals. In total, 349 elbows underwent surgical treatment at these hospitals during the study period. Patients > 17 years of age who were treated by plate fixation were included, and patients who were treated by other fixation methods were excluded. A total of 170 patients were included in the study. The following types of complications were investigated: (1) nerve related; (2) fixation and instrument related; (3) osteosynthesis related; (4) infection; and (5) others.

Results

The following complications were found: (1) 26 (15.3%) cases of postoperative ulnar nerve symptoms; 4 (2.4%) of postoperative radial nerve symptoms; (2) one (0.6%) case of screw joint penetration and screw loosening; and eight (4.7%) cases of hardware removal due to instrument skin irritation; (3) seven (4.1%) cases of nonunion; (4) two (1.2%) and four (2.2%) cases of superficial and deep infection, respectively, and seven (3.9%) cases of wound complication; and (5) 37 (21.8%) cases of heterotrophic ossification, 79 (46.5%) cases of elbow stiffness (did not achieve functional range of motion [ROM]), and 41 (24.1%) cases of osteoarthritis over Broberg and Morrey Grade I.

Paradoxically, the postoperative ulnar nerve symptoms were more frequent in the prophylactic ulnar nerve anterior transposition group. However, this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.086). The mean ROM was 123.5° flexion to 9.5° extension. The average Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score was 14.5 ± 15.6.

Conclusions

Open reduction and plate fixation for distal humeral fractures is a reasonable treatment option with acceptable complication rates and favorable clinical outcomes. Surgeons must be vigilant about ulnar nerve complications.

Level of Evidence Therapeutic Level III.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13018-022-03292-1.