Open distal humerus fractures--review of the literature.

Fractures of the distal humerus can be difficult to treat due to the periarticular nature of these injuries and the complexity of the elbow joint. Although anatomic and timely repair of the distal humerus with meticulous handling of soft tissues and appropriate postoperative therapy all help to optimize results, an open fracture presents other challenges that may limit successful outcomes in spite of these measures. Open fractures have been found to affect younger males involved in high-energy injuries, as well as older, osteoporotic females involved in lower energy situations. Successful management of these injuries requires urgent and aggressive soft tissue management, skeletal stabilization, and treatment of neurovascular insult (if applicable). This article presents a review of the current literature available concerning the epidemiology, assessment and examination, treatment options, complications, and outcomes of patients with open distal humerus fractures.