NON-SURGICAL MANAGEMENT OF DISTAL HUMERAL FRACTURES: PATIENT-REPORTED AND CLINICAL OUTCOMES

An increasing number of distal humeral fractures are presenting as fragility fractures in low demand elderly patients. The optimal management of these injuries remains controversial. The primary aim of this study was to document the short and long term outcomes of these fractures treated with primary nonsurgical intervention. All patients were identified from a prospective trauma database from 1995 to 2010. All conservatively managed, isolated fractures of the distal humerus (OTA Type A,B,C) were included. Prospective long term follow up was collected by telephone interview. Demographic data, fracture classification, management protocol, subsequent surgeries, complications, range of motion, function and patient reported outcomes were recorded. The primary short-term outcome measure was the Broberg and Morrey Elbow Score. The primary long-term outcome measure was the DASH score.Sixty-two patients were included. Mean age 76 (range, 11–96). Low-energy injuries were seen in 97% (59/61) of patients and ≥1 co-m...