Elbow Fractures: Distal Humerus

A distal humerus fracture can be a debilitating and difficult injury to treat. The anatomy of the distal humerus is highly complex, as it articulates with both the radius and ulna and allows for motion in multiple planes. Furthermore, comminution and osteopenia may render the metaphyseal-diaphyseal junction weak, making adequate stabilization difficult. Various methods of surgical fixation have been described, with bicolumnar plating being the most popular. Controversy over fixation techniques and the introduction of recently developed implants, including precontoured plates and locking plates, have led to renewed focus on biomechanical testing of various fixation constructs. Failure of adequate reconstruction or fixation can be addressed with adjunctive measures such as incorporation of structural bone grafts, external fixation, or, in certain instances, salvage with total elbow arthroplasty. The articular surface can also be injured from a shear force, resulting in fractures of the capitellum and trochlea in the coronal plane. This article presents a review of current literature concerning the diagnosis, classification, treatment, and outcome of distal humerus fractures.