Comparative study between olecranon osteotomy and triceps sparing approaches in supracondylar intercon-dylar humerus fractures fixation

Background
Open reduction and internal fixation is the standard of supracondylar intercondylar (SCIC) humerus fracture treatment and several approaches described to achieve best fractures visualization and anatomical reduction.


Objective
To compare functional outcome of SCIC humerus fracture managed by the olecranon osteotomy and triceps sparing approach.


Patients and methods
We conducted this prospective interventional study on patients presented with SCIC humerus fracture. Outcome measures were evaluated with Mayo Elbow Performance Score. Serial plain radiographies were used for radiological evaluation.


Results
Twenty patients in the study were randomly divided into two groups of 10 (50%) patients each. Mean age of group A was 44 + 19.17 years and that of group B was 28.4 + 10.25 years. In group A 70% of patients had satisfactory outcome and 30% of patient had unsatisfactory outcome. In group B 60% of patients had satisfactory outcome and 4% of patient were unsatisfactory.


Conclusion
Olecranon osteotomy provide better visualization specially in cases associated with comminuted articular surface while triceps sparing considered enough in cases associated with simple articular fracture.