Elbow Fractures

• DR. HELFET:
212-606-1888

• DR. LORICH:
212-746-4509

• DR. WEILAND:
212-606-1575

• DR. POSITANO:
212-606-1858

A 19 year-old female fell while bicycling at a high speed and sustained an open fracture (Grade IIIA) of the distal humerus and presented through the New York Presbyterian Emergency Department. Radiographs revealed a left-sided complex bicondylar distal humurus fracture with segmental bone loss. Following multiple Irrigation and Debridement (I&D) procedures a spanning external fixator was placed for initial stabilization and a skin graft was also placed. Operative reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) was performed at 2 weeks following her injury with placement of bone graft and multiple plates and screws. She returned for regular follow-up visits and had an excellent outcome. At 25 months post-operative her radiographs reveal a healed distal humerus fracture and clinically she had no pain with range of motion of the left elbow from 0 to 110° with full supination and pronation.

IMAGES

Figure A Anteroposterior (AP) and lateral x-rays revealing a left-sided bicondylar distal humerus fracture.

Figure B X-Rays following placement of a spanning external fixator.

Figure C Pre-operative plan for placement of bone graft and plate and screw fixation placed in a 90/90 fashion.

Figure D X-Rays at 25 months illustrating a healed distal humerus fracture.

Figure E Clinical images at 25 months illustrating excellent range of motion.