title: Release of the stiff elbow with mini-open technique.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Currently, there are many techniques used in the surgical release of elbow contracture, but no single technique has gained widespread acceptance. The purpose of this study was to report the outcomes of a lateral-column approach combined with a mini-open triceps-splitting technique for elbow contracture release.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty-six patients with a mean age of 39 years were included in the study. All patients underwent a combined lateral and minimal posterior triceps-splitting open elbow contracture release. Elbow range of motion and visual analog scale pain scores were recorded. The Mayo Elbow Performance Score was used to assess functional outcome.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean follow-up period was 38 months. Mean pain levels decreased from 7.59 preoperatively to 0.44 postoperatively (P < .05). The total arc of elbow motion increased from 52° preoperatively to 109° postoperatively, with an improvement of 57° (P < .05). The Mayo Elbow Performance Score improved from 44.17 preoperatively to 90.83 postoperatively (P < .05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study shows that a combined lateral and mini-open triceps-splitting approach is a safe and effective alternative technique for the treatment of elbow contractures.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Orthopaedic Specialists-UPMC, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
authors.forename: Kevin K
authors.initials: KK
authors.lastname: Kruse
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Orthopaedic Specialists-UPMC, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
authors.forename: Loukia K
authors.initials: LK
authors.lastname: Papatheodorou
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Orthopaedic Specialists-UPMC, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
authors.forename: Robert W
authors.initials: RW
authors.lastname: Weiser
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Orthopaedic Specialists-UPMC, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA. Electronic address: dsoterea@hotmail.com.
authors.forename: Dean G
authors.initials: DG
authors.lastname: Sotereanos
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003286:Contracture / Q000601:surgery*; D004551:Elbow Joint / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007592:Joint Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology*; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Elbow arthritis; elbow contracture; elbow contracture release; post-traumatic elbow; stiff elbow