Clinical Outcomes After Treatment of Distal Humerus Fractures With the LORRAINE 2.5/3.5 mm Distal Humerus System

Overview

Distal humerus fractures are fractures of the lower part of the upper arm bone near the elbow. These fractures often require surgery using plates and screws to stabilize the bone while it heals. This observational study will evaluate adults with distal humerus fractures who are treated with the LORRAINE 2.5/3.5 mm Distal Humerus System as part of routine clinical care. The study does not assign or change the treatment selected by the treating surgeon. Up to 100 participants will be enrolled and followed for up to 12 months after surgery. The study will evaluate radiographic and clinical fracture healing. It will also assess elbow function, range of motion, quality of life, pain, adverse events, radiographic findings, and reoperations.

This is an observational, prospective, non-randomized, non-controlled post-market surveillance study with optional retrospective enrollment of patients previously treated with the LORRAINE 2.5/3.5 mm Distal Humerus System. The study will include adults with unilateral or bilateral distal humerus fractures requiring surgical fixation with locking plates and screws. The decision to treat a patient with the LORRAINE System is made by the treating surgeon as part of routine clinical care and independently of study participation. The study does not assign treatment or require experimental procedures. The LORRAINE System is used according to its cleared indications and Instructions for Use. The fixation construct includes, at minimum, a medial and a posterolateral plate. Additional fragment plates may be used as clinically necessary. LORRAINE 3.5 mm Extraarticular Distal Humerus Plates are excluded from the study. Up to 100 participants will be enrolled. Enrollment will primarily be prospective, with optional retrospective enrollment of patients who have already undergone surgery. Retrospectively enrolled patients may be included if informed consent is obtained within the protocol-defined period and the required preoperative and operative information is available. Participants will be followed for up to 12 months after surgery. Follow-up assessments are scheduled at approximately 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after surgery. Follow-up may be discontinued earlier if fracture healing is confirmed. Assessments include clinical evaluation, radiographic evaluation, range of motion of the affected and contralateral elbows, pain assessment, the Mayo Elbow Performance Score, the EQ-5D-5L Health Questionnaire, and collection of adverse events and reoperations. Radiographs are required until fracture healing is confirmed by the investigator. The primary outcome is radiographic and clinical fracture healing within 12 months after surgery. Radiographic fracture healing is defined as bridging callus or the absence of visible fracture lines on radiographs. Secondary outcomes include functional outcomes, quality of life, pain, radiographic findings, adverse events, reoperations, elbow range of motion, Mayo Elbow Performance Score, and EQ-5D-5L score.