Comparison of two fixation techniques of olecranon osteotomy after reconstruction of intra-articular distal humerus fractures

Figure 1 Preoperative and postoperative X-ray films of distal humerus fractures and images of olecranon osteotomy fixation. A and B: Preoperative anteroposterior (A) and lateral radiographs (B) showing intra-articular distal humerus fracture; C and D: Postoperative anteroposterior (C) and lateral radiographs (D) showing healed fracture distal humerus and healed olecranon osteotomy fixed with cancellous screw and washer; E and F: Preoperative and postoperative radiographs showing fixation of olecranon osteotomy with intramedullary screw and cerclage. Preoperative anteroposterior and lateral radiographs showing intra-articular distal humerus fracture (E). Fixation with pre-contoured locking plates and olecranon osteotomy fixation with intramedullary screw and cerclage (F).

Figure 2 Peroperative photographs. Peroperative photographs showing ulnar nerve dissection, separation and securing it safely to one side with a sling. Olecranon osteotomy was retracted proximally to facilitated fracture reduction. Accurate anatomical fracture reduction with provisional Kirschner-wires fixation of fracture fragments followed by application of contoured locking plates on both columns of distal humerus. A: Ulnar nerve dissection, separation and securing it safely to one side with a sling; B: Olecranon osteotomy was retracted proximally to facilitated fracture reduction. Accurate anatomical fracture reduction was achieved with provisional Kirschner-wires fixation of fracture fragments; C: Application of definitive pre-contoured locking plates on both columns of distal humerus.