Functional Outcome of Cambell’s Triceps Tongue Flap Approach in Patients with AO “Type C” Distal Humerus Fracture

Abstract

Objective: To determine functional outcome of cambell’s triceps tongue flap approach in patients with AO “Type C” distal humerus fractures in patients between 16 to 50 years of age.

Study Design: Descriptive case study

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Civil Hospital Bahawalpur/Quaid-e-Azam Medical College, Bahawalpur from January 2012 to November 2012.

Materials and Methods: 196 cases between the ages of 16 –50 years with “Type C” distal humerus fractures according to AO classification were studied and samples were taken by a non-probability purposive sampling. Risen-borough and Radin criteria was used to assess the functional outcome of the results. All patients were evaluated at 16^th postoperative week and range of elbow flexion with the help of goniometer measured to draw a meaningful conclusion in terms of satisfactory (Good and fair) and unsatisfactory (poor) functional outcome.

Results: According to Risen-borough and Radin criteria evaluation of these cases at final follow up (16^th post operative week) revealed that 100 (54.3%) patients had good functional results with 60 (32.6%) male and 40 (21.7%) female whereas 55 (29.9%) patients had fair results with 40 (21.7%) male and 15 (8.2%) female. Poor results were found in 29 (15.8%) patients with 21 (11.4%) male and 8 (4.3%) female patients.

Conclusion: From our study we conclude that triceps tongue flap approach affords adequate exposure with ample space to fix the intra-articular fractures of distal humerus using both pillar fixations if required, in adults with satisfactory functional recovery in majority of the patients.