OPERATIVE TREATMENT OF DISTAL HUMERAL FRACTURES IN THE ELDERLY

We treated 49 patients at an average age of 80 years (75 to 90) with d istal mostly intraarticular humeral fractures by open reduction. There were 8 class A, 13 class B and 28 class C fractures on Muller's class ification. The patients were reviewed at a postoperative average of 18 months. The patients' assessment of the result was very good in 31%, good in 49%, fair in 15% and poor in 5%. The flexion-extension range w as very good in 41%, good in 44% and fair in 15%. The incidence of imp lant failure, pseudarthrosis of the olecranon osteotomy and ulnar nerv e lesion was no higher in these elderly patients than in younger patie nts. Old age is not a contraindication to open reduction and internal fixation; it is important to restore full function.