Distal Humeral Fracture Repair

Question 1

What is Patient Positioning for a Distal Humeral Fracture Repair?

Answer 1

• Prone
• Operative arm hanging 90 degrees at patient’s side
• Sterile sheets to build arm and hold in place

Question 2

What special equipment is used for a Distal Humeral Fracture Repair?

Answer 2

• Tourniquet
• C-arm
• Saw

Question 3

Where is the skin incision made for a Distal Humeral Fracture Repair?

Answer 3

• Posterior side of arm
• Wraps around the Olecranon

-Cutting vertically down the elbow will cause loss of range of motion during the healing process

Question 4

How is the Distal Humeral Fracture Repair performed?

Answer 4

• Ulnar Nerve dissected away from medial epicondyle
• Olecranon osteotomy to expose joint
• Exposure of fracture
• Triceps dissected off of the Humerus
• Fracture is reduced

Question 5

What is done if the Distal Humeral Fracture crosses the Medial and Lateral Epicondyles?

Answer 5

Parallel plates are placed on both sides of the fracture

Question 6

What is closing process after a Distal Humeral Fracture Repair?

Answer 6

• Reattach Olecranon with single screw down the shaft
• Bury Ulnar Nerve in soft tissue away from screws
• Reattach elbow ligaments
• Close dermis and skin
• Place Posterior Splint

Question 7

What suture is used to reattach the elbow ligaments?

Answer 7

0 Vicryl on a CT1 needle

Question 8

What suture is used to close the Dermis after a Distal Humeral Fracture Repair?

Answer 8

3-0 Vicryl on an SH needle

Question 9

What suture is used to close the Skin after a Distal Humeral Fracture?

Answer 9

4-0 Monocryl on a PS2 needle

Question 10

What is the purpose of the Posterior Splint after a Distal Humeral Fracture Repair?

Answer 10

To stabilize the skin to heal for range of motion tests