Abstract
Introduction
The purpose of this investigation was to review the preliminary results and patients
outcome following treatment with an anatomically preshaped LCP in patients with comminuted
fractures of the proximal ulna. We hypothesized that this fixation system provides
equal or superior results in fracture care when compared with other available plating
devices, but results in better patient's comfort due to its low-profile design.
Patients and methods
Between 2007 and 2009, 15 patients with comminuted fractures of the proximal ulna
including three posterior Monteggia fractures were managed with the preshaped LCP
olecranon plate. The patients were invited for clinical examination at a mean duration
of 16 months, retrospectively. Validated patient-oriented assessment scores involving
the Mayo Elbow Performance Index (MEPI) and the shortened Disability of the Arm, Shoulder
and Hand (Quick-DASH) score, postoperative range of motion, objective muscle-strengths testing and
patient's satisfaction were evaluated. All patients had follow-up radiographs.
Results
Fourteen patients were available for evaluation. The mean arc of elbow motion was
129°. The mean MEPI was 97 with good results in two patients and excellent results
in 12 patients. The mean Quick-DASH was 13. Thirteen of fourteen patients documented satisfaction with their elbow
outcome. There was one patient with symptomatic hardware and one patient complained
about deficit of motion. In four patients the hardware was removed including two patients
with elective removal. Fourteen fractures healed with ulnohumeral congruity after
a mean time to union of 11 weeks. One fracture non-union occurred without mechanical
failure or loss of reduction.
Conclusion
Anatomically preshaped LCP olecranon plating is an effective fixation method for comminuted
fractures of the proximal ulna allowing reliable stability for early elbow motion.
The functional results are comparable with formerly described plating systems. A low
rate of symptomatic hardware removal suggests better patient's compatibility.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
August 4,
2010
Identification
Copyright
© 2010 Elsevier Ltd. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
