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Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy

Published in:

01-09-2015 | Elbow

Outcomes of arthroscopic arthrolysis for the post-traumatic elbow stiffness

Authors: Xinghuo Wu, Hong Wang, Chunqing Meng, Shuhua Yang, Deyu Duan, Weihua Xu, Xianzhe Liu, Ming Tang, Jianning Zhao

Published in: Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy | Issue 9/2015

Abstract

Purpose

Post-traumatic contracture is a common complication after elbow trauma. If conservative therapy fails to restore adequate elbow motion, surgical release is recommended. Increase in arthroscopy knowledge and skills, as well as technological advances in the passed decade of years, has made arthroscopic arthrolysis a safe and reliable treatment for patients with a post-traumatic elbow contracture. The aim of this study was to report on the clinical outcome and improvement of ROM in post-traumatic stiff elbow treated by arthroscopic arthrolysis.

Methods

Between 2008 and 2012, 34 consecutive patients with post-traumatic stiffness were treated with arthroscopic arthrolysis. Active and passive elbow movement is encouraged the day after operation with the effective pain management. Mayo Elbow Performance Index (MEPI) and visual analogue scale were measured.

Results

At the final follow-up, the average arc of elbow motion increased from 48.6 ± 19.3 pre-operatively to 114.5 ± 25.7, with a mean improvement of 65.9°. The MEPI score improved from 68.2 ± 16.4 pre-operatively to 92.4 ± 21.6, with a mean improvement of 24.2 (p < 0.001). Results were good to excellent in 29 patients.

Conclusion

Injuries are the most common cause of elbow stiffness requiring surgical release. The procedure of arthroscopic arthrolysis is a good option for the treatment of post-traumatic elbow stiffness as it restores normal elbow function. Early passive/active post-operative rehabilitation is very important.

Level of evidence

Case series, treatment study, Level IV.

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Title: Outcomes of arthroscopic arthrolysis for the post-traumatic elbow stiffness
Authors: Xinghuo Wu
Hong Wang
Chunqing Meng
Shuhua Yang
Deyu Duan
Weihua Xu
Xianzhe Liu
Ming Tang
Jianning Zhao
Publication date: 01-09-2015
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy / Issue 9/2015
Print ISSN: 0942-2056
Electronic ISSN: 1433-7347
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-014-3032-3

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Outcomes of arthroscopic arthrolysis for the post-traumatic elbow stiffness

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Level of evidence

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Level of evidence

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