Elbow arthroplasty for the treatment of bicolumn distal humeral fractures.

Distal humeral fractures are difficult to treat in elderly patients. Recent advances in precontoured and locked plates have made open reduction and internal fixation easier, but rigid and anatomic reconstruction is required for a successful result. In elderly patients with poor bone quality and an unreconstructable articular surface, total elbow arthroplasty can be a successful alternative to open reduction and internal fixation.