[Open arthrolysis for elbow stiffness: a report of 17 cases].

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the treatment effect of open arthrolysis for elbow stiffness.

METHODS

From Aug. 2007 to Apr. 2012, 17 cases of elbow stiffness were treated with open arthrolysis,in which, 11 were post-traumatic stiffness and 6 elbow stiffness resulted from rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. The preoperative Mayo elbow score was 65.1±16.4. Posterior middle approach was applied for 15 cases, and primary lateral approach for 2 cases. The ulnar nerve release and antedisplacement were performed for 12 cases with series limited flexion. The mobile hinged fixator were applied for 2 cases of unstable elbow after debridement of series hero ossification.

RESULTS

With follow-up time for 6 to 41 months (average 13.1 months), all the patients acquired the follow-up and evaluation. According to Mayo elbow score of the last follow-up, the score was 87.5±16.7, and compared with the preoperation, the difference was significant: 9 cases were excellent, 6 good, 1 fair, and 1 poor, and the total excellent and good rate was 88.23%. The active range of motion (ROM) of flexion-extension was 110.6°±27.5°. However, 1 case developed chronic infection, and 1 ulnar nerve symptom.

CONCLUSION

In applying open arthrolysis to treat elbow stiffness, as long as we release completely and assure stable elbow and early postoperative motion, we can get satisfying results.