Outcomes of arthroscopic arthrolysis for the post-traumatic elbow stiffness.
OBJECTIVE
Post-traumatic contracture is a common complication after elbow trauma. If conservative therapy fails to restore adequate elbow motion, surgical release is recommended. Increase in arthroscopy knowledge and skills, as well as technological advances in the passed decade of years, has made arthroscopic arthrolysis a safe and reliable treatment for patients with a post-traumatic elbow contracture. The aim of this study was to report on the clinical outcome and improvement of ROM in post-traumatic stiff elbow treated by arthroscopic arthrolysis.


METHODS
Between 2008 and 2012, 34 consecutive patients with post-traumatic stiffness were treated with arthroscopic arthrolysis. Active and passive elbow movement is encouraged the day after operation with the effective pain management. Mayo Elbow Performance Index (MEPI) and visual analogue scale were measured.


RESULTS
At the final follow-up, the average arc of elbow motion increased from 48.6 ± 19.3 pre-operatively to 114.5 ± 25.7, with a mean improvement of 65.9°. The MEPI score improved from 68.2 ± 16.4 pre-operatively to 92.4 ± 21.6, with a mean improvement of 24.2 (p < 0.001). Results were good to excellent in 29 patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Injuries are the most common cause of elbow stiffness requiring surgical release. The procedure of arthroscopic arthrolysis is a good option for the treatment of post-traumatic elbow stiffness as it restores normal elbow function. Early passive/active post-operative rehabilitation is very important.
Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, Hubei, China.
Xinghuo
X
Wu
Hong
H
Wang
Chunqing
C
Meng
Shuhua
S
Yang
Deyu
D
Duan
Weihua
W
Xu
Xianzhe
X
Liu
Ming
M
Tang
Jianning
J
Zhao
D000328:Adult; D001134:Arm Injuries / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000601:surgery; D001182:Arthroscopy; D003286:Contracture / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000601:surgery*; D004551:Elbow Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007592:Joint Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D020127:Recovery of Function; D055815:Young Adult