title: STIFF ELBOW TREATMENT BY INTERPOSING ARTHROPLASTY ASSOCIATED TO HINGED EXTERNAL FIXATOR.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Assess the results of the elbow/fascia lata interposing arthroplasty technique associated to the use of a hinged external fixator in the treatment of stiff elbow.
  
  
  METHODS
  Between 2001 and 2006, five cases of stiff elbow were operated and followed up by the Shoulder and Elbow Group of the Santa Casa Misericórdia de São Paulo Medical Sciences School, establishing the following as inclusion criteria: patients with below-functional elbow range of motion associated to degeneration on that joint, for whom total prosthesis had not been indicated. Patients' ages ranged from 21 to 55 years (mean: 38). Male gender was prevalent (four cases), and, in all cases, the dominant side was operated. Concerning etiology, two cases of infectious arthritis sequels, one post-trauma sequel, and two rheumatoid arthritis were found. Preoperative range of motion ranged from 20° to 30° of flexion-extension; in two cases, fixed contracture existed in flexion at 30° and 65°. The patients were assessed according to Bruce-modified AMA criteria.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean follow up time was 54 months. All patients showed improvement of the Bruce index, which, preoperatively, was 43.5, increasing to 88.2 postoperatively. We found two excellent cases, one good, one fair, and one poor.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Fascia lata interposing arthroplasty associated to the use of a dynamic external fixator on stiff elbows is a feasible alternative for patients not indicated to total elbow arthroplasty.
authors.affiliation: Attending Physician, Head of the Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Group, Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, School of Medical Sciences, Santa Casa de São Paulo.
authors.forename: Alberto Naoki
authors.initials: AN
authors.lastname: Miyazaki
authors.affiliation: Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Group, Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, School of Medical Sciences, Santa Casa de São Paulo.
authors.forename: Marcelo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Fregoneze
authors.affiliation: Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Group, Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, School of Medical Sciences, Santa Casa de São Paulo.
authors.forename: Pedro Doneux
authors.initials: PD
authors.lastname: Santos
authors.affiliation: Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Group, Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, School of Medical Sciences, Santa Casa de São Paulo.
authors.forename: Luciana Andrade da
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Silva
authors.affiliation: Former Intern of the Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Group, Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, School of Medical Sciences, Santa Casa de São Paulo.
authors.forename: Nelson Gennaro
authors.initials: NG
authors.lastname: Junior
authors.affiliation: Chief Clinician, Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, School of Medical Sciences, Santa Casa de São Paulo.
authors.forename: Sergio Luiz
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Checchia
keywords: Arthoplasty; Elbow joint; External fixators; Range of motion, articular