SynthesisMusculoskeletal surgery2025
Orthogonal versus parallel plating in pediatric distal humeral fractures: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Synthesis in Musculoskeletal surgery, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
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Authors and funding
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Abstract
introductionThis systematic review and meta-analysis compared orthogonal and parallel plating techniques for these fractures, focusing on functional recovery, complication rates, and biomechanical stability.
methodsA comprehensive literature search was conducted on January 25, 2025, across PubMed, EMBASE, Europe PMC, and Scopus. Studies involving pediatric patients (aged 0-18 years) with distal humeral fractures treated using orthogonal or parallel plating were included. Eligible studies reported outcomes such as Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), range of motion (ROM), union time, and non-union rate. Two independent reviewers extracted data, and study quality was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias (RoB) tool version 2.0. Statistical analyses were performed using a random-effects model in RStudio.
resultsFrom an initial pool of 659 records, five studies (three randomized controlled trials [RCTs] and two cohort studies) met the inclusion criteria. Meta-analyses revealed no significant differences between orthogonal and parallel plating in MEPS (SMD - 0.25, p = 0.07), ROM (SMD - 0.15, p = 0.27), flexion range (SMD - 0.11, p = 0.46), non-union rate (RR 1.01, p = 0.99), union time (RR 1.01, p = 0.99), or surgical duration (SMD 0.06, p = 0.74). However, orthogonal plating showed a statistically significant advantage in extension range (SMD 0.45, p = 0.005). The risk of bias was minimal, and the certainty of evidence was rated as high.
conclusionsBoth orthogonal and parallel plating techniques demonstrated comparable efficacy in managing pediatric distal humeral fractures, with no significant differences in most outcomes. Orthogonal plating exhibited a slight advantage in extension range, though its clinical relevance requires further investigation.
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Registered trials
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