The challenging surgical treatment of closed distal humerus fractures in elderly and octogenarian patients: radiographic and functional outcomes with a minimum follow-up of 24 months

The main purpose of this retrospective, nonrandomized, case series study was to evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of distal humerus fractures (DHFs) in a consecutive series of elderly patients operatively treated by two surgeons, and second, to identify proper indications for two elderly age ranges and two fracture pattern groups. Materials and methods From January 2009 to June 2014, 51 patients (pts) underwent open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) using the locking compression plate (LCP) distal humerus plate (DHP) system at our institution. Medical records and radiographs were retrospectively assessed. Patients were divided into 3 groups according to gender, age (pts <85 years, pts ≥85 years) and AO classification (13-B1-B2-C1-C2 or 13-C3). All subjects completed MEPS, Quick-DASH and SF-36 PCS/MCS scores at final follow-up, and statistical analysis was performed.