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Open Access 01-03-2014 | Original Paper

The outcome of open elbow arthrolysis: comparison of four different approaches based on one hundred cases

Authors: Maciej Bręborowicz, Przemysław Lubiatowski, Jan Długosz, Piotr Ogrodowicz, Marcin Wojtaszek, Ewa Lisiewicz, Adam Zygmunt, Leszek Romanowski

Published in: International Orthopaedics | Issue 3/2014

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of elbow arthrolysis according to the surgical approach, durability after arthrolysis and the severity of contracture.

Methods

The study includes a cohort of 100 consecutive patients treated in our institution between 1986 and 2008. The indication for surgery was loss of mobility. This was the result of fractures, dislocation, simultaneous fracture/dislocation or other non-traumatic causes. All patients underwent open elbow release via one of four approaches (42 lateral, 44 medial, six combined medial-lateral and eight posterior). They were clinically evaluated at a minimum of 24 months after arthrolysis.

Results

The average ranges of elbow extension, flexion and arc of motion had increased significantly at the follow up, respectively, by 20°, 16° and 36°. No significant difference was found with regard to surgical approach. However, we noticed significant deterioration of intra-operative average extension and arc of motion (AOM) over the follow up period, respectively, by 13° and 14°. The number of patients with AOM of 100° or more increased from three patients preoperatively to 28 postoperatively.

Conclusions

Open elbow arthrolysis is a successful method of treatment of elbow contracture. Results are durable, but there is some postoperative deterioration of extension gained during surgery. We may anticipate that at the final stage we shall obtain an average of 86 % of intra-operative arc of motion. Patients with the most severe contractures have the best gains.

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Title: The outcome of open elbow arthrolysis: comparison of four different approaches based on one hundred cases
Authors: Maciej Bręborowicz
Przemysław Lubiatowski
Jan Długosz
Piotr Ogrodowicz
Marcin Wojtaszek
Ewa Lisiewicz
Adam Zygmunt
Leszek Romanowski
Publication date: 01-03-2014
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: International Orthopaedics / Issue 3/2014
Print ISSN: 0341-2695
Electronic ISSN: 1432-5195
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00264-013-2172-2

ACC 2024 Congress

Springer Medicine

The outcome of open elbow arthrolysis: comparison of four different approaches based on one hundred cases

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

ACC 2024 Congress

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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