[Bicondylar fractures].

Late results after operative treatment of 59 bicondylar fractures were excellent in 38% and fair or poor in 35%. Classic Y- and T-types are rare (30.5%), while comminution and soft tissue lesions (50.7%) are frequent and worsen the prognosis. In about three-fourths of fractures functional rehabilitation is possible after internal fixation according to AO principles. With advanced age and poor bone stock early functional nonoperative treatment is advisable, even though nonunion must be expected to follow in such patients. Closed pinning may be a reasonable alternative in similar situations, and less frequently after open reduction and attempted stable internal fixation. Complications were frequent in this series (25%), deep infection occurring in 4.8%, nonunion in 4.8%, secondary ulnar nerve palsy in 3.5%, and restricted range of motion, in some cases requiring arthrolysis, in 7.1%.