[Clinical study on chitosan for prevention of elbow adhesion].
OBJECTIVE
To study the clinical effect of chitosan on prevention of elbow adhesion after elbow arthrolysis.


METHODS
Twenty six patients with elbow ankylosis were performed elbow arthrolysis, which divided into two groups, in chitosan group, 12 patients were injected 2% chitosan into the elbow joint cavity, and no chitosan used in the other 14 patients as control group. The average range of extension and flexion of elbow joint was detected to evaluate the clinical results.


RESULTS
All patients were followed up 8 to 51 months, averaged 24 months. In the chitosan group, the average range of extension and flexion of elbow joint was restored to 92.9 degrees +/- 20.9 degrees, with an average increase of 55.0 degrees +/- 15.9 degrees compared with preoperation. In the control group, the average range of extension and flexion of elbow joint was restored to 75.4 degrees +/- 17.5 degrees, with an average increase of 38.2 degrees +/- 11.9 degrees. The outcome showed significant difference between the chitosan group and the control group (P < 0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
Chitosan can prevent or reduce elbow adhesion after elbow arthrolysis.
Hou
C
C
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, P. R. China 200003.
Chen
A
A
Zhang
W
W
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000844:Ankylosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D002686:Chitin / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D048271:Chitosan; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007592:Joint Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D000267:Tissue Adhesions / Q000517:prevention & control; D000092464:Elbow Injuries
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D002686:Chitin; D048271:Chitosan