Short-Term Outcomes of Orthogonal Plating Using a One-Third Tubular and Reconstruction Plate Construct for Supracondylar Intercondylar Humerus Fractures: A Prospective Case Series

Parallel or orthogonal plating is used to treat supracondylar intercondylar (SCIC) fractures of the humerus. The aim of the study is to determine the short-term functional outcomes of orthogonal plating in adult patients with SCIC fractures of the humerus and the factors affecting these outcomes. We conducted a prospective study between 2017 and 2020, following approval from the Institutional Ethics Committee. Twenty-six patients, aged 20 to 70 years, were included in the study. Patients with open fractures, severe soft tissue injuries, or comminution were excluded. We performed orthogonal plating for fixation. The outcomes were analyzed using the rating of Jupiter et al. Mann–Whitney U and Kruskal–Wallis tests were used to analyze the factors affecting the outcomes. Most patients were males aged between 20 and 29 years. Most of the patients underwent surgery between 18 and 24 hours. The low T-type fracture pattern was the most common. Among male patients, 10 were rated as excellent, three as good, and one as fair. However, among females, four received excellent ratings, four received good ratings, three received fair ratings, and one received poor ratings. Males had a significantly better rating than females (p-value of 0.03). Younger patients had better outcomes (p-value of 0.04). The mode of injury and laterality were not significantly associated with the final rating (p-value >0.05). Orthogonal plating ensures stable fixation and good outcomes for SCIC fractures of the humerus. We got better outcomes in younger patients.