ABSTRACT
The objective of treatment for distal humerus fractures in the elderly is to restore a stable, functional and painless elbow, which will enable return to independence for activities of daily living. The most widely used classification system for distal humerus fractures is that of the AO/Orthopaedic Trauma Association. Incomplete ulnar neuropathy has been reported in 26% of patients with type C distal humerus fractures at the time of presentation. Complex distal humerus fractures were often historically managed non-operatively with cast immobilization, collar and cuff treatment or early mobilization. Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) is recommended for displaced or angulated distal humeral fractures in the elderly. The triceps splitting approach involves a distal midline triceps tendon split with equal portions of the triceps tendon and its insertion on the olecranon reflected medially and laterally. Interpretation of reports on the outcome of ORIF for distal humerus fractures is difficult.
