Il trattamento delle fratture dell'estremità distale dell'omero

The treatment of humeral articular fractures, just like that of any other fracture, must be directed to obtain the best possible anatomical reconstruction. The osteosynthesis has to give a good stability to allow an early mobilization ofthe limb. In our study we reviewed the results from the surgical treatment of distal humerus fractures in patients operated in our Orthopaedic Department of the University of`Trieste, from 1995 to 2003. The group counts 73 patients with an average follow-up of over 6 years. All patients had been operated with an open osteosynthesis. The clinical evaluation followed the Cassebaum scheme; we also evaluated heterotopic ossifications. The group of patients studied has revealed to be significant for a long-term study for the following reasons: a) it is representative for all AO types of fractures; b) patients' age ranged from 20 to 86 years; c) many cases had associated lesions (which gives a good glance of how patients were managed in these situations); d) the study was executed by only one orthopaedic, with a uniform method. Results were excellent in 23 cases (31.5%), good in 27 cases (37.0%), satisfactory in 18 cases (24.7%) and bad in 5 (6.8%). Concluding, we can state that distal humerus fractures are not frequent yet severe fractures. Their treatment requires an accurate pre-operatory planning; good surgical experience and a good postoperatory rehabilitation.