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RESEARCH PRODUCT

Distal Humerus Fractures

subject

description

Distal humerus fractures display seldom but severe injuries because of the complex distal humerus anatomy and often comminuted fracture types. They account for approximately 2–3 % of all fractures and for 17–30 % of fractures around the elbow. In younger patients, there is a predominance among males. The mechanism of accident is mostly a high-energy trauma in this population. In contrast, among elderly patients, distal humerus fractures concern mostly women with osteoporotic bone. Fractures are caused by a low-energy trauma such as a fall from standing height onto the outstretched or slightly flexed arm. These fractures are often severely comminuted. Because of the thin soft tissue envelope, many distal humerus fractures are open and additional injuries are common. The topographical proximity to the three main nerves and brachial artery are can lead to relevant lesions of these structures.