title: [Arthrolysis of the elbow.].
abstract: The study present the results of arthrolysis of the elbow in 32 patiens operated on during the period of 10 years, i. e. between 1988 and 1997. It includes the part of the group of patients where it was possible to obtain complete documentation or the report of their present condition. The total number of patients operated on in the mentioned period was 41, of which 26 men and 15 women of average age 45,3 years. In 17 cases the patients were operated on for post-traumatic stiffnes after fracture in the region of the elbow, 8times it was the case of a condition after contusion and 4times a stiffness after elbow dislocation and in 13 patients the indication to arthrolysis for primary osteoarthritis (of which one man bilaterally). Based on individual situation either ulnar or radial approach or their combination were used. Anterior capsular release was performed in 20 cases, posterior release in 6 cases and their combination in 15 cases. Thirty-two patients were followed up. The evaluation was based on the Mayo Clinic index. On average the post-operative finding improved by 22 points. The range of flexion improved on average from 102 degrees to 114 degrees and extension deficiency was reduced from 34 degrees to 21 degrees which also conduced to an improved selfcare. In one patient re-operation was necessary in order to extend the range of flexion. The results achieved have proved the successful rate of arthrolysis of the elbow in indicated cases. Key words: elbow, stiffness, arthrolysis.
authors.affiliation: Ortopedická klinika IPVZ, Praha-Bulovka.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Hart