Outcome of Distal Humeral Fractures: An Experience to Evolve

Objective: To evaluate the functional outcomes of distal humerus fracture fixation using locking plates and screws, focusing on fracture reduction, fixation stability, and post-operative recovery as measured by the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS). Study Design: Cross sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Pakistan Navy Station Shifa Hospital, Karachi Pakistan, from Jan 2019 to 30 Jun 2021. Methodology: A total of 19 patients aged 18-65 with closed distal humerus fractures were included in the study. All patients underwent open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) using locking plates. The primary outcome was functional recovery assessed using the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) at 3 and 6 months post-operatively. Secondary outcomes included complication rates, time to union, and patient adherence to post-operative rehabilitation. Results: At 6 months, the mean MEPS score was 72.37±8.39, with significant improvement from the 3-month follow-up. Males showed better recovery than females (p=0.032). Two patients (10.5%) experienced mild surgical site infections, and one patient (5.3%) had delayed union. Notably, 89.5% of patients missed regular rehabilitation sessions, which negatively impacted their functional outcomes. Fracture union occurred in an average of 20 weeks. Conclusion: Locking plate fixation provides stable fracture fixation and satisfactory functional outcomes for distal humerus fractures. Gender and compliance with rehabilitation were significant factors influencing the outcomes in this study.