title: [Fixator with motion capacity and distraction arthrodiatasis in post-traumatic elbow stiffness].
abstract: Elbow stiffness may result from trauma, burns and head injuries. It is defined as a total range of motion of <100° with no relevant loss of forearm rotation. Of particular relevance is the flexion deficit. A detailed analysis regarding the development of the elbow stiffness is required together with an exact diagnosis in order to plan the surgical intervention. Closed distraction of the elbow joint as arthrodiatasis with an external fixator is described and evaluated. Adequate long-term results can be achieved with this technique, which reflects proper selection of patients as well as coordination between surgeon, aftercare and physiotherapist. Contraindications are poor compliance, poorly controlled diabetes mellitus, active hepatitis B and C infection, HIV infection and acute articular infection.
authors.affiliation: Klinik für Unfallchirurgie/Orthopädie, Hand- und Wiederherstellungschirurgie, St. Vinzenz-Hospital Köln, Akademisches Lehrkrankenhaus der Universität zu Köln, Merheimer Straße 221-223, 50733, Köln, Deutschland. dietmar.pennig@vinzenz-hospital.de
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Pennig
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Heck
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gick
mesh_terms: D004551:Elbow Joint / Q000601:surgery*; D016267:External Fixators / Q000639:trends*; D006801:Humans; D007592:Joint Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D009038:Motion; D019857:Osteogenesis, Distraction / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000639:trends*; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D000092464:Elbow Injuries