Short-Term Complications of Distal Humerus Fractures in Elderly Patients: Open Reduction Internal Fixation Versus Total Elbow Arthroplasty

Andrew J. Lovy, Aakash Keswani, Steven M. Koehler, Jaehon Kim, Michael Hausman

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

22 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate 30-day postoperative complications of open reduction and internal fixation [ORIF] and total elbow arthroplasty [TEA] for the treatment of distal humerus fractures in elderly patients using a validated national database. Methods: Review of the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) Database identified all elderly patients (>65 years) who underwent TEA or ORIF for the treatment of closed intra-articular distal humerus fractures from 2007 to 2013. Bivariate and multivariate analyses of risk factors for 30-day adverse events as defined by NSQIP between ORIF and TEA groups were assessed using preoperative and intraoperative variables. Results: Among the 176 patients with distal humerus fractures, there were 33 TEA and 143 ORIF. There was no difference in age, medical comorbidities, or functional status. Total elbow arthroplasty was associated with an increased odds of severe adverse event compared to ORIF (odds ratio = 1.57, P =.16), although it did not achieve statistical significance. Infection rate was 0.7% in ORIF and 0.0% in TEA (P =.99). Insulin-dependent diabetes and functional status were significant independent predictors of postoperative adverse events. Operative time (165 minutes vs 140 minutes, P =.06) and postoperative length of stay (3.6 days vs 2.3 days, P = 0.03) were longer for TEA compared to ORIF. Conclusion: Open reduction and internal fixation and TEA have similar 30-day postoperative complications for the treatment of distal humerus fractures among elderly patients. Despite favorable trends for TEA in recent studies, additional clinical results are needed to understand complications and limitation of TEA. Level of evidence: Level III, prognostic study.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)39-44
Number of pages6
JournalGeriatric Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation
Volume7
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 1 2016
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • complications
  • open reduction and internal fixation
  • risk factors
  • total elbow arthroplasty
  • total elbow replacement

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery
  • Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
  • Rehabilitation
  • Geriatrics and Gerontology

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