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Distal humerus fracture

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Overview¶
Reported outcomes for acute distal humerus fractures remain inconsistent across the orthopedic literature, making it difficult for surgeons to retrospectively compare surgical techniques and clinical outcomes across studies [3]. The systematic review by [9] is the largest report of complications and reoperations of intra-articular distal humeral fractures after ORIF in the current literature [9]. Decision regarding the treatment for intra-articular fractures of the distal humerus should be based on a combination of the best available evidence and preference of the surgeon [7].
Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) is a viable treatment option for distal humeral fractures in the elderly, but careful patient selection is required [14]. Older patients who underwent ORIF of the distal humerus using a parallel construct demonstrated good functional outcomes and similar complications to those in previously reported studies [1]. For comminuted distal humerus fractures in young patients, ORIF appears to be the preferred surgical option, offering superior functional outcomes and a lower incidence of complications and heterotopic ossification [20].
Total elbow arthroplasty provides a successful treatment alternative for selected distal humerus fractures, particularly in elderly patients with low anticipated physical demands, severe osteopenia, or comminution [22]. Distal humerus hemiarthroplasty is a viable option in the treatment of unreconstructible distal humerus fractures, with good to excellent outcomes expected [2]. Distal humeral hemiarthroplasty is a suitable option for unreconstructable distal humeral fractures and offers good functional outcomes with acceptable complication rates [8]. Elbow hemiarthroplasty is a viable option for complex distal humeral fractures in select patients, offering functional outcomes comparable to total elbow arthroplasty while potentially avoiding complications related to the ulnar component [15].
Open reduction and internal fixation with bone grafting is the treatment of choice for nonunion of distal humerus fractures if no excessive damage of the articular surface is present [5].
Anatomy & Pathophysiology¶
Osseous¶
Coronal shear fractures of the distal humerus involve the capitellum and trochlea [35]. Posterior shear fractures of the distal humerus mostly involve the posterior aspect of the capitellum and are often associated with elbow dislocation [29]. Malunion of distal humerus fractures is a common complication influenced by biology, reduction quality, fixation methods, and mechanical failure [6].
Fixation Geometry: Precontoured locking plates may have geometric limitations in specific complex morphologies of coronal shear fractures, supporting individualized hybrid fixation strategies [27]. The 90°-configuration of LCPs considerably decreases fragment movement compared to conventional reconstruction plates [32].
Vascular & Neural¶
There is a lack of consensus on defining and diagnosing different types of ulnar nerve dysfunction [31].
Classification¶
Dubberley: Useful in describing coronal shear fractures of the distal humerus and selecting the surgical approach [30].
Other Considerations: Outcomes for capitellum fractures are unclear due to multiple classification systems and a literature consisting of small case series without comparative groups [34].
Clinical Presentation¶
History: Older adults with isolated distal humerus fractures face substantial mortality at 1 and 2 years, a risk strongly predicted by comorbidity burden and preinjury ambulation [17]. Management remains problematic in elderly patients with osteoporosis and comminution where open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) may be impossible [18].
Inspection & Palpation: Malunion is a common complication, influenced by biology, reduction quality, fixation methods, and mechanical failure [6].
Range-of-Motion & Stability: Internal fixation is the standard of care for intra-articular fractures, with rigid anatomic fixation combined with early motion associated with favorable results [16]. For unusual pediatric patterns, management focuses on restoring the anatomic axis, the triangle of stability, and the articular surface to ensure a stable elbow joint that allows for early motion and full range of motion [4].
Operative Decision Axes: Complete fractures are treated using a posterior approach with dual plating [10]. Current evidence indicates that OO, TRA, TS, and TT posterior approaches provide comparable overall clinical outcomes in AO/OTA type C complete intra-articular distal humerus fractures, with most outcome measures showing no statistically significant differences [19]. Elbow arthroplasty may be indicated for selected patients with severely comminuted fractures and osteoporotic bone [10].
Investigations¶
CT: A thorough smoking history and CT Hounsfield Unit measurements in the coronal plane may identify patients with poorer bone quality at higher risk for postoperative mechanical complications following distal humerus fracture fixation [21].
Treatment¶
Non-Operative¶
The management of distal humerus fractures remains problematic in elderly patients with osteoporosis and comminution where ORIF may be impossible [18].
Operative¶
Indications: Internal fixation is generally accepted as the standard of care for intra-articular distal humerus fractures, with rigid anatomic fixation combined with early motion associated with favorable results [16]. ORIF is a viable treatment option for distal humeral fractures in the elderly, provided careful patient selection is applied [14]. Distal humerus hemiarthroplasty is a viable option for unreconstructible distal humerus fractures, with good to excellent outcomes expected [2]. Total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) is a successful treatment alternative for selected distal humerus fractures, particularly in elderly patients with low anticipated physical demands, severe osteopenia, or comminution [22]. TEA constitutes a viable treatment option for complex distal humeral fractures in elderly and medically compromised patients [38]. Elbow arthroplasty may be indicated for selected patients with severely comminuted fractures and osteoporotic bone [10].
Surgical Approach / Technique: Complete distal humerus fractures are treated using a posterior approach with dual plating [10]. Posterior approaches including OO, TRA, TS, and TT provide comparable overall clinical outcomes in the management of AO/OTA type C complete intra-articular distal humerus fractures, with most outcome measures showing no statistically significant differences [19].
Implant Selection: Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) using parallel precontoured plates demonstrates good functional outcomes and complication rates similar to previously reported studies in elderly patients [1]. Both orthogonal and parallel plating techniques can be used to treat distal humerus fractures with excellent outcomes [12]. Distal humeral hemiarthroplasty is a suitable option for unreconstructable distal humeral fractures, offering good functional outcomes with acceptable complication rates [8]. Distal humerus hemiarthroplasty yields satisfactory functional outcomes and range of motion in complex distal humerus fractures not amenable to fixation, particularly in elderly patients [11].
Revision: Salvage TEA is a viable option for managing post-traumatic sequelae following distal humeral fracture treatment, although it is associated with a significantly increased rate of complications and significantly inferior functional outcomes compared with acute TEA [13].
Other Considerations: Management decisions for intra-articular fractures of the distal humerus should be based on a combination of the best available evidence and surgeon preference [7].
Complications¶
General Outcomes and Mortality: Reported outcomes for acute distal humerus fractures remain inconsistent across the orthopedic literature, complicating retrospective comparisons of surgical techniques and clinical outcomes [3]. A systematic review serves as the largest report of complications and reoperations of intra-articular distal humeral fractures after ORIF in current literature [9]. Mortality at 1 and 2 years is substantial in older adults with isolated distal humerus fractures and is strongly predicted by comorbidity burden and preinjury ambulation [17].
Nonunion and Malunion: Malunion is a common complication after distal humerus fractures, influenced by biology, reduction quality, fixation methods, and mechanical failure [6]. Nonunion of distal humerus fractures is treated with open reduction and internal fixation with bone grafting if there is no excessive damage to the articular surface [5].
Bone Quality and Mechanical Failure: Smoking history and computed tomography Hounsfield Unit (HU) measurements in the coronal plane may identify patients with poorer bone quality at higher risk for postoperative mechanical complications following distal humerus fracture fixation [21]. Management of distal humerus fractures remains problematic in elderly patients with osteoporosis and comminution where ORIF may be impossible [18]. Older patients undergoing open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of the distal humerus using a parallel construct demonstrate good functional outcomes and similar complication rates to previously reported studies [1].
Olecranon Osteotomy: There is a high risk of complications associated with olecranon osteotomy in the treatment of distal humerus fractures [39].
Salvage Arthroplasty: Salvage total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) is a viable option for post-traumatic sequelae following distal humerus fracture treatment, but patients have significantly increased complication rates and inferior functional outcomes compared to those undergoing acute TEA [13]. Elbow hemiarthroplasty offers functional outcomes comparable to total elbow arthroplasty while potentially avoiding complications related to the ulnar component in select patients with complex distal humeral fractures [15].
Recovery¶
Light activity (weeks): Evidence does not specify a week range for light activity or return to desk work.
Full activity (months): Evidence does not specify a month range for full activity or strength return.
Complete recovery / outcome plateau (months): Evidence does not specify a month range for outcome plateau.
Rehabilitation protocol: Management of unusual pediatric distal humerus fracture patterns focuses on restoring the anatomic axis, the triangle of stability, and the articular surface to ensure a stable elbow joint that allows for early motion and full range of motion [4].
Functional milestones: Older patients undergoing open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of the distal humerus using a parallel precontoured plate construct demonstrate good functional outcomes and complication rates similar to previously reported studies [1]. Long-term results of well-performed open reduction and internal fixation demonstrate satisfactory outcomes in most patients with bicolumnar distal humerus fractures [42]. Distal humerus hemiarthroplasty is a viable treatment option for unreconstructible distal humerus fractures, with good to excellent outcomes expected [2]. Encouraging results have been reported using total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) as a primary mode of treatment for carefully selected comminuted distal humerus fractures in elderly patients, particularly if the patient also has significant rheumatoid arthritic changes [43].
Other Considerations: A systematic review provides the largest report of complications and reoperations of intra-articular distal humeral fractures after ORIF in the current literature [9]. Salvage TEA is a viable option for managing post-traumatic sequelae following distal humeral fracture treatment, but patients undergoing salvage TEA have a significantly increased rate of complications and significantly inferior functional outcomes compared with those undergoing acute TEA [13]. In older adults with isolated distal humerus fractures, mortality at 1 and 2 years is substantial and strongly predicted by comorbidity burden and preinjury ambulation [17]. A thorough smoking history and computed tomography Hounsfield Unit (HU) measurements in the coronal plane may identify patients with poorer bone quality at higher risk for postoperative mechanical complications following distal humerus fracture fixation [21]. In older cohorts, intra-articular fractures are consistently and temporally associated with a more than two-fold increased risk of TEA compared with extra-articular fractures at every time point studied, with nearly 5.5% of patients progressing to TEA by 10 years [41].
Key Evidence¶
- [L4] Older patients who underwent ORIF of the distal humerus using a parallel construct demonstrated good functional outcomes and similar complications to those in previously reported studies. [1] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2022.01.030)
- [L4] Distal humerus hemiarthroplasty is a viable option in the treatment of unreconstructible distal humerus fractures, with good to excellent outcomes expected. [2] (10.1016/j.jse.2022.02.015)
- [L1] Reported outcomes for acute distal humerus fractures remain inconsistent across the orthopedic literature, making it difficult for surgeons to retrospectively compare surgical techniques and clinical outcomes across studies. [3] (10.1016/j.otsr.2018.08.017)
- [L5] Management principles focus on restoring the anatomic axis, the triangle of stability, and the articular surface to ensure a stable elbow joint that allows for early motion and full range of motion. [4] (10.5435/jaaos-d-17-00326)
- [L5] Open reduction and internal fixation with bone grafting is the treatment of choice for nonunion of distal humerus fractures if no excessive damage of the articular surface is present. [5] (10.1016/j.jisako.2024.07.002)
- [L5] Malunion is a common complication after distal humerus fractures influenced by biology, reduction, fixation methods, and mechanical failure. [6] (10.1016/j.jisako.2024.05.009)
- [L5] Decision regarding the treatment for intra-articular fractures of the distal humerus should be based on a combination of the best available evidence and preference of the surgeon. [7] (10.5397/cise.2019.22.2.113)
- [L4] Distal humeral hemiarthroplasty is a suitable option for unreconstructable distal humeral fractures and offers good functional outcomes with acceptable complication rates. [8] (10.1177/17585732211023100)
- [L1] This systematic review is the largest report of complications and reoperations of intra-articular distal humeral fractures after ORIF in the current literature. [9] (10.1016/j.jse.2021.02.017)
- [L4] Complete fractures are treated using a posterior approach with dual plating, while elbow arthroplasty may be indicated for selected patients with severely comminuted fractures and osteoporotic bone. [10] (10.1016/j.otsr.2013.11.002)
- [L1] DHH yields satisfactory functional outcomes and range of motion in complex distal humerus fractures not amenable to fixation, particularly in elderly patients. [11] (10.1016/j.jseint.2026.101695)
- [L5] Distal humerus fractures are complex, and both orthogonal and parallel plating techniques can be used to treat these difficult fractures with excellent outcomes. [12] (10.1016/j.hcl.2010.05.008)
- [L1] Salvage TEA represents a viable option for the management of post-traumatic sequelae following the treatment of a distal humeral fracture, although patients who underwent salvage TEA had a significantly increased rate of complications and significantly inferior functional outcomes compared with those who underwent TEA acutely. [13] (10.1302/0301-620x.108b1.bjj-2025-0475.r1)
- [Paper] Open reduction and internal fixation is a viable treatment option for distal humeral fractures in the elderly, but careful patient selection is required. [14] (10.1016/j.injury.2007.08.006)
- [L4] Elbow hemiarthroplasty is a viable option for complex distal humeral fractures in select patients, offering functional outcomes comparable to total elbow arthroplasty while potentially avoiding complications related to the ulnar component. [15] (10.1177/1758573216640210)
- [L5] Internal fixation is generally accepted as the standard of care for the treatment of intra-articular distal humerus fractures, with rigid anatomic fixation combined with early motion associated with favorable results. [16] (10.1016/j.hcl.2007.09.001)
- [L3] In older adults with isolated distal humerus fractures, mortality at 1 and 2 years is substantial and strongly predicted by comorbidity burden and preinjury ambulation. [17] (10.1016/j.jse.2026.02.013)
- [L5] The management of distal humeral fractures remains problematic, particularly in elderly patients with osteoporosis and comminution where ORIF may be impossible. [18] (10.1016/j.jse.2010.11.012)
- [L1] Current evidence indicates that OO, TRA, TS, and TT posterior approaches provide comparable overall clinical outcomes in the management of AO/OTA type C complete intra-articular distal humerus fractures, with most outcome measures showing no statistically significant differences. [19] (10.1186/s13018-026-06739-x)
- [L4] For comminuted distal humerus fractures in young patients, ORIF appears to be the preferred surgical option, offering superior functional outcomes and a lower incidence of complications and heterotopic ossification. [20] (10.1016/j.xrrt.2025.07.014)
- [L3] A thorough smoking history and CT HU measurements in the coronal plane may identify patients with poorer bone quality at higher risk for postoperative mechanical complications following distal humerus fracture fixation. [21] (10.5435/jaaos-d-26-00191)
- [L4] Total elbow arthroplasty provides a successful treatment alternative for selected distal humerus fractures, particularly in elderly patients with low anticipated physical demands, severe osteopenia, or comminution. [22] (10.1016/j.hcl.2015.06.008)
- [L4] Precontoured locking plates may have geometric limitations in specific complex morphologies, supporting individualized hybrid fixation strategies. [27] (10.1186/s12891-026-09582-7)
- [L4] Posterior shear fractures of the distal humerus mostly involve the posterior of the capitellum and are often associated with elbow dislocation. [29] (10.1016/j.jse.2026.05.003)
- [L4] The study confirms the utility of the Dubberley classification in describing the fracture and selecting the surgical approach. [30] (10.1016/j.jse.2025.05.033)
- [L5] There is a lack of consensus on defining and diagnosing different types of ulnar nerve dysfunction, necessitating prospective studies with standardized definitions. [31] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2011.11.023)
- [L5] The 90°-configuration of LCPs was found to considerably decrease fragment movement compared to conventional reconstruction plates. [32] (10.1016/j.injury.2003.09.022)
- [L4] The article summarizes the existing body of evidence on capitellum fractures, noting that outcomes are unclear due to multiple classification systems and a literature consisting of small case series without comparative groups, and proposes areas for future study. [34] (10.1177/1558944719878817)
- [L4] Anatomic reduction with sufficient stability to allow for early joint mobilization is a general principal for treatment. [35] (10.1016/j.hcl.2004.08.001)
- [L4] Total elbow arthroplasty constitutes a viable treatment option for complex distal humeral fractures in elderly and medically compromised patients. [38] (10.1016/j.injury.2009.01.123)
- [L2] The high risk of complications in olecranon osteotomy must be considered in the decision to perform this procedure in the treatment of distal humerus fractures. [39] (10.5397/cise.2021.00591)
- [L4] In the older cohort, intra-articular fractures were consistently and temporally associated with a more than two-fold increased risk of TEA compared with extra-articular fractures at every time point studied, with nearly 5.5% of patients progressing to TEA by 10 years. [41] (10.1177/17585732261451863)
- [L5] Long-term results of well-performed open reduction and internal fixation demonstrate satisfactory outcomes in most patients. [42] (10.5435/00124635-201001000-00004)
- [L4] Encouraging results have been reported using TEA as a primary mode of treatment for carefully selected comminuted distal humerus fractures in elderly patients, particularly if the patient also has significant rheumatoid arthritic changes. [43] (10.1016/j.hcl.2004.06.006)
See Also¶
References¶
[1] The Outcomes of Intra-Articular Distal Humerus Open Reduction and Internal Fixation Using Parallel Precontoured Plates in the Elderly. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 2023. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2022.01.030
[2] Distal humerus hemiarthroplasty for trauma: a systematic review of the outcomes and complications. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. 2022. DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2022.02.015
[3] Outcomes of distal humerus fractures: What are we measuring?. Orthopaedics & Traumatology: Surgery & Research. 2018. DOI: 10.1016/j.otsr.2018.08.017
[4] Approaching Unusual Pediatric Distal Humerus Fracture Patterns. Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. 2019. DOI: 10.5435/jaaos-d-17-00326
[5] Nonunion of distal humeral fractures: Current concepts. Journal of ISAKOS. 2024. DOI: 10.1016/j.jisako.2024.07.002
[6] Malunion of distal humeral fractures: Current concepts. Journal of ISAKOS. 2024. DOI: 10.1016/j.jisako.2024.05.009
[7] Surgical Treatment Strategy for Distal Humerus Intra-articular Fractures. Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow. 2019. DOI: 10.5397/cise.2019.22.2.113
[8] Outcomes and complications of distal humeral hemiarthroplasty for distal humeral fractures – A systematic review. Shoulder & Elbow. 2021. DOI: 10.1177/17585732211023100
[9] Complications of articular distal humeral fracture fixation: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. 2021. DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2021.02.017
[10] Articular fractures of the distal humerus. Orthopaedics & Traumatology: Surgery & Research. 2014. DOI: 10.1016/j.otsr.2013.11.002
[11] Distal humerus hemiarthroplasty for complex intra-articular fractures in elderly or nonfixable patients: a meta-analysis of clinical and functional outcomes. JSES International. 2026. DOI: 10.1016/j.jseint.2026.101695
[12] Use of Orthogonal or Parallel Plating Techniques to Treat Distal Humerus Fractures. Hand Clinics. 2010. DOI: 10.1016/j.hcl.2010.05.008
[13] Total elbow arthroplasty for the management of post-traumatic sequelae of distal humeral fractures. The Bone & Joint Journal. 2026. DOI: 10.1302/0301-620x.108b1.bjj-2025-0475.r1
[14] Management of distal humeral fractures in the elderly. Injury. 2007. DOI: 10.1016/j.injury.2007.08.006
[15] Elbow hemiarthroplasty for the management of distal humeral fractures: current technique, indications and results. Shoulder & Elbow. 2016. DOI: 10.1177/1758573216640210
[16] Distal Humerus Fractures. Hand Clinics. 2007. DOI: 10.1016/j.hcl.2007.09.001
[17] Predictors of mortality after isolated distal humerus fractures in older adults. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. 2026. DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2026.02.013
[18] Distal humeral fractures: fixation versus arthroplasty. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. 2011. DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2010.11.012
[19] Comparative efficacy and safety of different posterior surgical approaches for Intra-articular distal humerus fractures. Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research. 2026. DOI: 10.1186/s13018-026-06739-x
[20] Hemiarthroplasty vs. open reduction and internal fixation for comminuted distal humerus fractures in patients under 65 years: a systematic review. JSES Reviews, Reports, and Techniques. 2025. DOI: 10.1016/j.xrrt.2025.07.014
[21] Can Computed Tomography Hounsfield Units Predict Distal Humerus Fracture Mechanical Complications?. Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. 2026. DOI: 10.5435/jaaos-d-26-00191
[22] Total Elbow Arthroplasty for Distal Humerus Fractures. Hand Clinics. 2015. DOI: 10.1016/j.hcl.2015.06.008
[27] Fracture mapping of coronal shear fractures of the distal humerus: morphological analysis and fixation efficacy. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. 2026. DOI: 10.1186/s12891-026-09582-7
[29] Surgical treatment for posterior distal humeral shear fractures. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. 2026. DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2026.05.003
[30] Unsatisfactory radiographic findings do not correlate with functional impairment in patients with coronal shear fractures of the distal humerus treated with internal fixation: a long-term retrospective study according to Dubberley's classification. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. 2026. DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2025.05.033
[31] Distal Humerus Fractures: Handling of the Ulnar Nerve. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 2012. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2011.11.023
[32] The LCP-concept in the operative treatment of distal humerus fractures – biological, biomechanical and surgical aspects. Injury. 2003. DOI: 10.1016/j.injury.2003.09.022
[34] Coronal Shear Fractures of the Distal Humerus: A Review of Diagnosis, Treatment, and Outcomes. HAND. 2019. DOI: 10.1177/1558944719878817
[35] Coronal shear fractures of the distal humerus: the capitellum and trochlea. Hand Clinics. 2004. DOI: 10.1016/j.hcl.2004.08.001
[38] Total elbow arthroplasty for the treatment of insufficient distal humeral fractures. A retrospective clinical study and review of the literature. Injury. 2009. DOI: 10.1016/j.injury.2009.01.123
[39] Complications of olecranon osteotomy in the treatment of distal humerus fracture. Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow. 2022. DOI: 10.5397/cise.2021.00591
[41] What is the incidence of total elbow arthroplasty after intra-articular versus extra-articular distal humerus open reduction and internal fixation?. Shoulder & Elbow. 2026. DOI: 10.1177/17585732261451863
[42] Current Treatment Strategies for Bicolumnar Distal Humerus Fractures. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeon. 2010. DOI: 10.5435/00124635-201001000-00004
[43] Total elbow anthroplasty and distal humerus elbow fractures. Hand Clinics. 2004. DOI: 10.1016/j.hcl.2004.06.006