title: Elbow arthroscopy in stiff elbow.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to evaluate and review the functional outcomes after arthroscopic surgery in post-traumatic and degenerative elbow contractures.
  
  
  METHODS
  Between 2004 and 2008, 243 patients with post-traumatic or degenerative elbow stiffness were treated with arthroscopic surgery. A total of 212 patients were reviewed at an average of 58 months follow-up (SD ± 17.3). The patients were divided into two groups: group A with post-traumatic stiffness, and group B with degenerative stiffness. Arthroscopic procedures performed included: synovectomy, debridement of osteophytes, removal of loose bodies, anterior and posterior capsulectomy, radial head excision. Ulnar nerve neurolysis was usually performed. The following data were recorded and analysed: sex, age, paraesthesia, previous surgical treatment and complications. Patient outcome was assessed pre- and post-operatively by a visual analogue scale and by the Mayo Elbow Performance Index (MEPI), which assesses pain, ROM, stability and function.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The total average ROM improved by 33° in group A and 20° in Group B. The MEPI improved from 60 to 81 in group A, and from 65 to 91 in group B.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Arthroscopic surgery in post-traumatic and degenerative elbow contractures can be considered a safe, useful, with a long learning curve procedure that offers important improvement of the ROM decreasing surgical morbidity.
authors: Orthopaedic and Arthroscopic Department, New Sassuolo Hospital, via Saragozza n. 130, 41100, Modena, Italy, gigiped@hotmail.com.
authors: Luigi Adriano
authors: LA
authors: Pederzini
authors: Fabio
authors: F
authors: Nicoletta
authors: Massimo
authors: M
authors: Tosi
authors: Mauro
authors: M
authors: Prandini
authors: Emanuele
authors: E
authors: Tripoli
authors: Andrea
authors: A
authors: Cossio
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001182:Arthroscopy / Q000379:methods*; D002648:Child; D004551:Elbow Joint / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007592:Joint Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010147:Pain Measurement; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult