A Comparative Analysis of Two Double-Plate Fixation Techniques for Supra and Intercondylar Fractures of the Distal Humerus

Abstract

<title>Abstract</title> This study aimed to compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes of patients with intercondylar humerus fractures treated with orthogonal and parallel plating methods using precontoured plates. It was a retrospective comparative study conducted on 50 adult patients with supra and intercondylar humerus fractures treated surgically over an eleven-year period. Patients were divided into two groups: Group A underwent internal fixation using parallel plating while Group B received orthogonal plating. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), and radiographic assessments included time to consolidation, pseudoarthrosis, malunion and hardware removal. Both groups exhibited similar demographic and preoperative characteristics. Functional outcomes assessed by MEPS showed no significant difference between the groups. Radiographically, comparable healing times and rates of complications were observed including pseudoarthrosis, malunion and hardware removal. The study findings suggest that both orthogonal and parallel plating methods yield comparable clinical and radiographic outcomes in the treatment of intercondylar humerus fractures. These results underscore the effectiveness of both techniques and emphasize the importance of further research to elucidate the optimal plating method for specific fracture patterns.