Fixation of Distal Humerus Fractures: Principles and Biomechanics

Satisfactory outcome of intraarticular distal humerus fractures depends on anatomic joint restoration and stable fracture fixation to allow early motion. Orthogonal constructs (medial plate on medial column and posterior plate on lateral column) and parallel constructs (medial plate on medial column and lateral plate on lateral column) have been proposed for fixation of these fractures. However, the optimal configuration remains controversial. There are no clinical studies comparing these constructs and existing biomechanical studies had methodological limitations and reported conflicting results.