Complications of open reduction and internal fixation of distal humerus fractures

Treatment of distal humerus fractures is demanding. Surgery is the optimal treatment and preoperative planning is based on fracture type and degree of comminution. Fixation with two precontoured anatomical locking plates at 90o:90o orthogonal or 180o parallel is the optimal treatment. The main goal of surgical treatment is to obtain stable fixation to allow immediate postoperative elbow mobilization and prevent joint stiffness. Despite evolution of plates and surgical techniques, complications such as mechanical failure, ulnar neuropathy, stiffness, heterotopic ossification, nonunion, malunion, infection, and complications from olecranon osteotomy are quite common. Distal humerus fractures still present a significant technical challenge and need meticulous technique and experience to achieve optimal results. Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2018;3:558-567. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.3.180009