title: Arthrolysis for post-traumatic stiffness of the elbow.
abstract: Twelve of 14 patients who underwent arthrolysis of the elbow for post-traumatic stiffness were re-examined after a mean of 62 months. Pain and subjective stiffness were improved. The mean function of the elbow improved from 73 degrees to 112 degrees. Those operated on within a year of their injury improved twice as much as those who had been operated on after a longer period. Arthrolysis may be very rewarding when conservative treatment fails, especially when it is carried out within a year of the injury.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics, Maasland Hospital Sittard, Netherlands.
authors.forename: A L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Boerboom
authors.forename: H E
authors.initials: HE
authors.lastname: de Meyier
authors.forename: A D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Verburg
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Verhaar
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000844:Ankylosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D004551:Elbow Joint / Q000502:physiology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000150:complications; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013180:Sprains and Strains / Q000150:complications; D013997:Time Factors; D000092464:Elbow Injuries