Functional outcomes of intra-articular distal humerus fracture surgery

Objectives: Approximately one-third of elbow fractures are classified as distal humerus fractures (DHF), which are significant challenges for orthopedic surgeons, particularly in cases where the fractures are intra-articular. Surgical treatment for these fractures holds potential complications, including a reduction in range of motion, difficulties in performing daily activities, and the risk of damage to surrounding blood vessels and nerves. This study aims to examine the functional outcomes associated with surgical intervention for distal humerus intra-articular fractures. Methods: This longitudinal study was conducted on patients with DHF who underwent surgery at Shahid Beheshti Hospital in Babol between 2015 and 2020. Data was collected from the patients’ medical records, and the functional outcomes were assessed using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire and MAYO Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) during the follow-up period. The collected data was then analyzed thoroughly. Results: The study involved 84 patients (53 men and 31 women), with 35 patients having type B fractures and 49 patients having type C fractures. The average age of the patients was 26.32 years. The follow-up period ranged from 6 to 71 months, with an average of 23.34 months. The results showed a statistically significant relationship between the patients’ age and their functional outcomes. Patients with “good” functional results were, on average, 31 years younger than those with “fair” functional outcomes ( P = 0.027). Moreover, patients with “excellent” functional outcomes were, on average, 45 years younger than those with “fair” functional outcomes ( P = 0.001). There was no significant relationship detected between the type of intra-articular fracture and the functional outcomes of the DHF ( P = 0.280). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the functional outcomes of DHFs are significantly associated with the age of the patient. However, there was no significant relationship found between fracture type, follow-up duration, and the functional outcomes of the fracture.