Massive bone defects due to infection at the surgical site associated with a distal humeral fracture that was treated using fibula autograft: a case report

Abstract

Introduction and importance: Distal humerus fractures comprise between 2 and 5% of all fractures, and approximately one-third of all humerus fractures are of this type. In the present report, the authors described the massive bone defects due to infection at the surgical site associated with a distal humeral fracture that was treated using fibula autograft. Case presentation: A 28-year-old female patient experienced a fall from a height of 4 m and was referred to Poursina Educational and Medical Center. Clinical examinations and radiological imaging showed an open fracture of the right distal humerus. In the postoperative 50-day follow-up, the complication of infection at the surgical site causes bone loss of up to 8 cm. The posterior triceps-split approach (Campbell) to the distal humerus was used in this surgery. To evaluate the quality of surgery, standard radiographs of anteroposterior and lateral of the elbow joint and humeral shaft were performed after surgery. Clinical discussion: At 5 months postoperatively, the patient’s initial results are good, and the range of motion of the elbow joint is ~10–120°. Conclusion: Based on the results of the present study, fibular transplantation in distal humerus fractures is considered one of the bone treatment options for repair.