Surgical Techniques And Clinical Efficacy Of Micro Locking Plate In The Treatment Of Capitellar Fractures

Purpose: The surgical techniques and the clinical outcome of operatively treated capitellar fractures have not been clearly reported. The purpose of the present study was to explore the surgical techniques and clinical efficacy of micro locking plate in the treatment of capitellar fractures. Methods: From January 2012 to January 2015, 47 capitellar fracture patients were surgically treated. Based on the AO/OTA classification, there were 11 cases of B3.1 fractures and 36 cases of B3.3 fractures, while according to Dubberley classification, there were 7 cases of IA fractures, 9 cases of IB fractures, 11 cases of IIA fractures, 6 cases of IIB fractures, 9 cases of IIIA fractures, and 5 cases of IIIB fractures. Anteroposterior, lateral radiographs and computed tomography (CT) images were obtained in the course of preoperative radiological evaluation. All fractures were fixated by the micro locking plate using the vertical plate technique. Clinical, radiographic and elbow-specific outcomes were evaluated postoperatively. Results: Follow-ups with a mean duration of 18.1 months (range: 12-24 months) were carried out on all the patients. All fractures healed within an average of 11.4 weeks (range: 8-12 weeks). No complications were observed and the Mayo Elbow Performance score (MEPS) was 87.6 (range: 60-100), with 31 excellent results, 12 good and 4 fair results. Conclusion: Capitellar fracture is a specific type of elbow fracture. Open reduction with a posterolateral Kocher approach and fixation by micro locking plate using the vertical plate technique is a reliable method to achieve satisfactory elbow function in these fractures.