Distal Humeral Fractures in the Adult

Distal humeral fractures in the adult often are complicated by pseudarthrosis, pain, and limitation of motion. Of 29 adult patients with distal humeral fractures treated in teaching hospitals, 22 obtained acceptable results. Twenty-two percent of those treated by open methods and 36% of those treated by closed methods had unacceptable results. Ninety percent of the patients starting physiotherapy within six weeks of injury recovered well, while over half of those starting physiotherapy after six weeks had unsatisfactory results. Even comminuted fractures healed when treated by internal fixation and started early on exercises. The most important indicator of end result was the starting time of physiotherapy. Rigid internal fixation is recommended for this fracture, but if stability is not likely to be accomplished by open reduction, nonoperative measures are preferable.