The outcome comparison of headless screws and Mini-plate for treating type B3 distal humerus fractures

Keywords:

humeral fractures ; Type B3 fractures ; Mini-plate ; headless screws.


Published online: Apr 24 2019

Dong Chen, Xiang Huang, Jie Liu, Shaohua Li

Abstract

The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the outcome of headless screws and Mini-plate for treating Type B3 fractures of distal humerus. Seventeen patients with type B3 fracture
were included and divided into headless screws group and Mini-plate group. Outcome was evaluated using Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), Short form 36 questionnaire (SF-36), visual analog score (VAS), and range of motion (ROM) at 12 months’ follow-up. All patients received a minimum follow-up of 12 months. Postoperative complications mainly included elbow stiffness, heterotrophic ossification and elbow instability. At 12months’ follow-up, the MEPS and physical components score of SF-36 in Mini-plate group were significantly higher than that in screw group. Moreover, cases undergoing Mini-plate treatment showed a tendency towards improved ROM of elbow and VAS. The Mini-plate was superior to headless screws on elbow function restoration in the management of type B3 distal humerus fractures.

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About this issue

Volume 85, issue 1.

Mar 2019.

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