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The surgical management of distal humerus fractures in adults generally consists in open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) or total elbow arthroplasty (TEA). Hemi humeral hemiarthroplasty (EHA) is a treatment option for unreconstructable intra-articular distal humerus fractures. It is a reasonable option in patients over the fifth decade and its potential advantages are to eliminate the complications related to the ulnar component such as wear of the hinge (busching wear) or the aspetic loosening of the ulnar component. The potential disadvantages are the risk of instability with the possibility of a wear and progressive joint osteoarthrosis. The aims of this manuscript are to evaluate the indications in which we used the EHA, analyzing the correct surgical technique and describe the outcomes in medium and long-term follow-ups. Between 2006 and 2019, we performed 51 EHAs at the Hesperia Hospital in Modena and at the Rizzoli Orthopedic Institute. Taking into consideration only the cases of acute fractures, 27 patients (27 elbows) with a minimum follow-up of 12 months were identified. The patient's mean age at the time of surgery was 64 years old (range from 45 to 78 years old) and they were 78% female (21 out of 27). The Latitude Tornier implant was used in all the patients of our group. The mean MEPS was 89.3 points (from 50 to 100 pts) with excellent results in 19 patients, good in 5, one fair and 2 poor;the mean DASH was 12.6 (from 3.3 to 45.8); the mean OES was 42.3 (from 22 to 47). Complications, were found in 12 patients and any patients required a TEA conversion. Distal humerus hemiarthroplasty from our experience is a good option for the surgical management of unrecostructible distal humeral fractures in selected patients. It is important to perform a precise surgical technique; preserve the triceps insertion, preserve or repair the collateral ligaments, fix the condylar bones implant the prosthesis at the correct size, depth and rotation. The majority of the complication that we observed are related to the stiffness and not to the progressive degenerative changes of the articular surface., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2020. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Background: The earliest distal humeral hemiarthroplasty (or elbow hemiarthroplasty [EHA]) implants, which date back to the late 1940s, were performed in patients with severe elbow joint injuries as an alternative to arthrodesis. After some clinical reports and case studies with a short follow-up, published in the 1990s, a new "anatomically convertible" EHA model was introduced in 2005 and became a common surgical option to treat complex elbow fractures and their sequelae. We describe the mid- and long-term outcomes of EHA performed to treat acute intra-articular fractures or their sequelae., Methods: From 2006 to 2017, 51 patients underwent EHA for acute intra-articular fractures or their sequelae. A total number of 41 patients (80.5% female) with a minimum follow-up of 2 years, 24 with acute lesions and 17 with sequelae, were identified retrospectively. Clinical evaluation was according to the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score (subjective), and the Oxford Elbow Score (OES) and Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) (objective). Radiographic follow-up was with standard radiographs., Results: Mean follow-up was 92.2 months (range, 24-151). Mean patient age at surgery was 62.8 years (range, 45-81). The mean MEPS was 87.1 points, with excellent results in 26 cases, good results in 9 cases, fair in 2, and poor results in 4. The mean DASH score was 15.9 and the mean OES was 40.5, with satisfactory results in 30 cases. Twenty patients experienced complications and 2 required revision surgery., Discussion: EHA is a valuable surgical option in selected patients with comminuted distal humeral joint fractures that cannot be reconstructed with stable fixation and in those with malunion of the articular surface of the humerus. EHA offers potential advantages, especially in active elderly patients and in those aged less than 70 years. It is essential to achieve joint stability, restoring medial and lateral ligament function besides the integrity of the coronoid process. An intact olecranon surface without signs of degenerative changes is also critical for EHA success., Conclusion: Our mid- and long-term experience with EHA is favorable, with a high proportion of satisfactory results and long survival rates for both lesion types. In selected patients with acute and post-traumatic injuries, EHA is a valuable surgical option., (Copyright © 2022 Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Board of Trustees. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Only few case series of capitellar and trochlear fractures have been reported. Some of them assume that the presence of a posterior comminution (type B according to Dubberley classification) can represent a negative risk factor for treatment and prognosis respect to the type A cases (without posterior comminution). Nevertheless, how this parameter impacts the treatment and the prognosis has never been quantified before., Materials and Methods: All the capitellar and trochlear fractures treated from 2007 to 2015 have been retrospectively reviewed. The presence of posterior comminution on a pre-operative CT-scan was correlated to the surgical technique, to the timing of initiation of rehabilitation and to clinical outcomes., Results: 45 Consecutive patients have been selected, 17 not presenting a posterior comminution (type A), and 28 with posterior comminution (type B). In all the type A fractures a lateral approach (Kocher o Kocher extensile) was used and the fragment fixation was always performed using only screws. Elbow replacement or olecranon osteotomy were performed only to treat type B fractures. Augmented fixations, using plates and k-wires, or prosthetic replacement have been used only in type B fractures. The post-operative immobilization was significantly inferior for type A fracture. Better results have been obtained in type A fractures: mean MEPI score was 86 in type A and 73 in type B, the range of motion was significatively higher in type A both in flexion-extension and in pronation-supination. In type B fractures a significant higher number of complications have been observed (64% vs 29%) along with more reoperations., Discussion: The study has confirmed that, even without considering the extension of the fracture on the coronal plane, the presence of posterior comminution represents an evident negative risk factor, influencing the surgical approach and treatment, the fixation technique, the post-operative rehabilitation, the clinical outcomes, the complications and re-operation rates., Conclusions: The analysis of the present case series shows how the treatment and the outcomes can be significantly anticipated based on the presence or absence of posterior comminution. Patients with type A fracture are more likely treated with a Kocher approach, screw fixation, an early rehabilitation is performed. In type A fractures better outcomes and low complications rate are expected., (Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Background: Anatomic surgical reduction of intra-articular fractures of the distal humerus is important to achieve the best long-term outcomes and prevent post-traumatic arthritis. In this study we compared the radiographic reduction using the trochleocapitellar index. We also correlated the trochleocapitellar index to the functional outcomes next to the comparison of the triceps brachii lifting approach and olecranon osteotomy approach, 2 common approaches for distal humeral fractures., Methods: From January 2006 to June 2016, patients with elbow fractures were registered in 4 centers. The trochleocapitellar index, a ratio between the angle of the capitellum and the trochlea to the midline of the distal humerus on anterior-posterior radiographs, was calculated for included patients. Functional outcomes were measured using the Oxford Elbow Score and the Mayo Elbow Performance Score. Bone healing was measured using radiographic union scoring., Results: There were 86 patients enrolled: 46 in the olecranon osteotomy group and 40 in the triceps lifting group. Functional outcomes and bone healing did not differ between the approaches. Functional results had a medium correlation with the trochleocapitellar index, which did not differ between the 2 approaches (olecranon osteotomy group, κ = 0.56; triceps lifting group, κ = 0.57; P = .7932)., Conclusions: The trochleocapitellar index has a moderate predictive value on the functional results after 12 months after open reduction and internal fixation of intra-articular distal humeral factures. There is no difference in reduction, as measured by trochlear index and functional outcome scores, between the olecranon osteotomy approach and the triceps brachii lifting approach groups., (Copyright © 2018 Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Board of Trustees. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: The treatment of complex distal humerus fractures is challenging and is often associated with unsatisfactory results. Anatomic reduction and stable internal fixation is difficult to obtain, especially in elderly osteoporotic patients. For these reasons, total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) has recently evolved as a valid procedure in selected cases following these injuries. The aim of this study was to analyze outcomes of TEA for the treatment of complex distal humerus fractures in 20 low-demanding patients over 65 years of age., Materials and Methods: All patients, at a mean follow-up of 60 months, were evaluated clinically using the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) and radiographically in order to assess the positioning of the prosthetic components and signs of loosening. Statistical analyses investigated the presence of clinical and radiographic variables as predictive factors of poor functional outcomes., Results: Similar MEPSs were observed in the affected and unaffected arm. Results were good or excellent in 90% of the patients, even if a high rate of complications (35%) was encountered. The development of postoperative complications and concomitant cognitive impairment and rheumatoid arthritis were predictive factors of unsatisfactory outcomes., Conclusions: According to the results observed, TEA can be considered as a valid treatment for complex fractures of the distal humerus in low-demanding patients older than 65 years of age, in which a stable fixation is difficult to obtain. Several variables may influence the final outcomes.

Background: Total elbow arthroplasties (TEAs) are usually indicated in chronic inflammatory arthropathies. This procedure has also recently been used in complex distal humeral fractures and nonunions in selected patients. This study analyzed the clinical and radiographic outcomes in patients treated for nonunions around the elbow region with a minimum follow-up of 3 years., Methods: Between May 2002 and June 2012, 20 patients affected with distal humeral nonunions were treated with TEA. All patients were assessed clinically using the Mayo Elbow Performance Score and radiographically to evaluate the positioning of the prosthetic components and signs of loosening. Statistical analyses were performed to investigate the presence of clinical and radiographic variables as predictive factors of poor functional outcomes., Results: The Mayo Elbow Performance Score of the affected arm improved significantly between the preoperative period and follow-up. Results were good or excellent in 90% of the patients even if a high rate of complications (30%) was encountered. The development of complications after surgery and stages II, III, and IV radiolucency, according to the Morrey criteria, were predictive factors of poor outcomes., Conclusions: According to the satisfactory results observed in this study, TEA could be indicated in selected patients aged older than 70 years with low functional demands and affected with distal humeral nonunions in which obtaining a stable fixation is difficult., (Copyright © 2015 Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Board of Trustees. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) has been normally indicated for chronic inflammatory arthropathy. In the last decades this surgery has also evolved as an acceptable procedure following traumatic lesions of this joint. The aim of this study was to analyze the mid-term outcomes of TEA for the treatment of complex fractures and non-unions of the elbow in selected patients., Methods: Between May 2002 and December 2011, 34 patients with these indications were surgically treated with TEA and divided in two groups. Group 1 included 16 cases of fractures and Group 2 18 of non-union. All patients were clinically assessed using the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS). A statistical analysis was performed in order to investigate the outcomes of these patients and compare the two groups., Results: Similar results were observed in both groups between operated and non-operated arms. No differences in clinical results were documented between groups., Conclusions: TEA following traumas can be considered as a valid treatment in old patients in complex fractures of the elbow region with low functional demands and in non-unions. Outcomes are influenced by the collaborative capacities of the patients.

This article presents a case of a 71-year-old woman with a humeral fracture between a cementless reverse total shoulder arthroplasty and a cemented total elbow arthroplasty and discusses our treatment plan. Surgical treatment was performed after the patient was informed of possible complications and the benefits of surgery including: early, complete restoration of arm anatomy, greater functional improvement of the adjacent joints, and increased risk of nonunion with nonoperative treatment.The fracture was comminuted and extended proximally around the shoulder prosthesis. Through the posterior approach, the radial nerve was identified and protected. Both prostheses were found firmly fixed to bone. The fracture around the shoulder prosthesis was reduced first using a strut allograft and reduction clamps. Next, arm alignment restoration and distal humerus reduction were performed. The construct was neutralized with a 3.5-mm locking plate spanning the whole length of the humerus. The locking plate was positioned posterolaterally and the strut medially in a 90° to 90° configuration secured with wires and cables.A hinged elbow brace was applied for 6 weeks postoperatively. Active range of motion exercises of the wrist and hand and passive motion of the elbow and shoulder were started at 4 to 5 days postoperatively. At 2 weeks postoperatively, passive motion of the elbow and shoulder progressed to strengthening exercises. Thereafter, the patient underwent several weeks of physical therapy to restore motion, strength, and function of the upper extremity with instructions not to overload the arm and avoid heavy work and sports for as long as 1 year. At 10 months postoperatively, radiographs of the arm showed a stable construct; the patient had resumed full activities of daily living., (Copyright 2011, SLACK Incorporated.)

Plate fixation with cortical allograft struts has been used at our Institute for decades to treat aseptic shaft nonunion. The aim of this study was to assess the results of this technique in humeral nonunion. We retrospectively reviewed 57 consecutive patients with humeral diaphyseal nonunion treated by internal fixation combined with cortical allograft struts in the last 7 years in our Department. The patients were followed-up for a mean of 48 months. We had union in 53 cases out of 57. There were 3 cases of infection out of 15 patients previously treated with an external fixator. In our experience the cortical allograft strut is a well standardised and reproducible technique that enables the treatment of severe atrophic non-union with a relatively low complication rate and quick functional recovery.

Classifications have been previously reported and biomechanical studies have been performed, but the management of humeral fractures between implants remains problematic. At the time of arthroplasty, planning of the optimum length of the prostheses is required, especially for patients being considered for a second arthroplasty in the ipsilateral elbow or shoulder. Current treatment may be conservative if reduction can be obtained and the prostheses are stable, or it may be surgical using internal fixation with plates, strut grafts, double plates, or a plate and strut graft construct if the fracture extends around the components of the prosthesis and autogenous bone grafting.

Osteosynthesis with a humeral anchor nail may be listed along with other methods of intramedullary fixation for the treatment of diaphyseal fractures. The authors report their experience with 33 cases of humeral fractures treated between July 1987 and July 1991. Results were excellent in 61% of the cases, good in 24%, and fair in 15%; no particular complications were reported. The authors believe that the anchor nail constitutes a system of osteosynthesis involving only a small amount of trauma, and allowing for positive elastic stability for the consolidation of the fracture, as well as being a sufficiently safe system so that immobilization in plaster may be avoided. When compared with other systems of intramedullary fixation, the anchor nail is more effective than the Rush nail from a mechanical point of view, and the Kuntscher nail from a biological one.