Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of the AO anatomical locking compression plate in treating type C distal humeral fracture. Methods Between July 2008 and April 2009, 13 cases of type C distal humeral fracture were treated with the AO anatomical locking compression plates. There were 5 males and 8 females with an average age of 52.1 years (range, 24-80 years). Fractures were caused by tumbl ing in 7 cases, by traffic accident in 4 cases, and by fall ing from height in2 cases. According to Association for Osteosynthesis/Orthopaedic Trauma Association (AO/OTA) classification, there were 3 cases of type C1, 6 cases of type C2, and 4 cases of type C3. Two cases compl icated by ulnar nerve injuries, 1 by radial nerve injury, 2 by fractures of ulnar olecranon, 3 by fractures of other parts of extremities, and 6 by osteoporosis. The time from injury to hospital ization ranged from 3 hours to 4 days (0.9 day on average). Results All the incisions achieved heal ing by first intention. Thirteen cases were followed up 12 to 21 months with an average of 15.9 months. According to the X-ray films, unions were achieved both at fracture site and the olecranon osteotomy site with a heal ing time of 8 to 13 weeks (10 weeks on average). The function of elbows recovered from 3 to 32 weeks (10 weeks on average). No fixation failure, myositis ossifican, delayed union, or malunion occurred during the follow-up. The Mayo Elbow Performance score ranged from 75 to 100 with an average score of 95.8; the results were excellent in 9 cases, good in 3 cases, and fair in 1 case with an excellent and good rate of 92.3%. Conclusion The AO anatomical locking compression plate has a good fixation in treating type C distal humeral fracture. Through the approach of olecranon osteotomy, it is easy to get anatomical reduction, stable fixation, and early exercise.
ObjectiveTo explore the effect of early rehabilitation nursing on elbow joint function recovery after artificial radial head replacement. MethodsFrom June 2010 to June 2012, 42 patients with artificial radial head replacement were randomly divided into two groups:trial group and control group. The control group was treated by the doctor instructions following routine rehabilitation therapy and nursing. The trial group received the guidance of professional rehabilitation nursing and early rehabilitation training. ResultsThe patients' range of elbow joint activities, alleviation of the pain, the strength grade, and the rehabilitation effect in the trial group was obviously better than those in the control group (P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between two groups in joint stability (P<0.05). ConclusionThe rehabilitation nursing should start early after the surgery for the artificial radial head replacement. It can prevent joint stiffness, joint conglutination and muscle disuse atrophy, reduce complications, and improve the quality of survival.