Unicondylar fractures of the distal humerus: an operative approach

---

Jupiter JB. Neff U. Regazzoni P. Allgower M. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston. J Orthop Trauma. 2(2):102-9, 1988. This paper retrospectively reviews a series of 22 unicondylar fractures of the distal end of the humerus that were treated by open reduction and internal fixation over a 10 year period. The fracture patterns were classified according to the system of Muller et al. A strict rating scale was developed that incorporated subjective data, objective elbow motion, and the functional status of the involved elbow. At an average follow-up of 5.9 years (range 2.3 to 12.3 years), 12 elbows were rated as excellent, 6 as good, and 4 as fair. Complications included extensive posttraumatic arthritis in four patients, a nonunion in one, and a transient radial nerve palsy in one.