title: Open arthrolysis for post-traumatic stiffness of the elbow: results are durable over the medium term.
abstract: We present a retrospective study of 25 patients treated by open arthrolysis of the elbow for post-traumatic stiffness. The mean follow-up was for 7.8 years (5 to 10.8). The range of movement of the elbow, pain scores and functional outcomes were recorded pre- and postoperatively. An improvement in the mean range of movement from 55 degrees (0 degrees to 95 degrees ) to 105 degrees (55 degrees to 135 degrees) was obtained in our patients at one year. This improvement was maintained over the mean follow-up period of 7.8 years (5 to 10.8). Improvement in pain, function and patient satisfaction was recorded in 23 of the 25 patients at final follow-up. On the basis of this study, we believe that the results of open arthrolysis for post-traumatic stiffness of the elbow are durable over the medium term.
authors.affiliation: Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Castle Street, Glasgow G4 0SF, UK. sssharma2@yahoo.co.uk
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sharma
authors.forename: L A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Rymaszewski
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D004551:Elbow Joint / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007592:Joint Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D000092464:Elbow Injuries