ELBOW ARTHROLYSIS FOR POST-TRAUMATIC STIFFNESS

S. Sharma; L.A. Rymaszewski

doi:10.1302/0301-620X.87BSUPP_III.0870335c

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ELBOW ARTHROLYSIS FOR POST-TRAUMATIC STIFFNESS

S. Sharma
L.A. Rymaszewski

ELBOW ARTHROLYSIS FOR POST-TRAUMATIC STIFFNESS

Sharma S, Rymaszewski L. ELBOW ARTHROLYSIS FOR POST-TRAUMATIC STIFFNESS. Orthop Procs. 2005;87-B(SUPP_III):335-335. doi:10.1302/0301-620X.87BSUPP_III.0870335c

Sharma, S., and L.A. Rymaszewski. “ELBOW ARTHROLYSIS FOR POST-TRAUMATIC STIFFNESS.” Orthopaedic Proceedings, vol. 87-B, no. SUPP_III, 2005, pp. 335-335., https://doi.org/10.1302/0301-620X.87BSUPP_III.0870335c

Sharma, S., & Rymaszewski, L. (2005). ELBOW ARTHROLYSIS FOR POST-TRAUMATIC STIFFNESS. Orthopaedic Proceedings, 87-B(SUPP_III), 335-335. https://doi.org/10.1302/0301-620X.87BSUPP_III.0870335c

Sharma, S. and Rymaszewski, L. (2005) “ELBOW ARTHROLYSIS FOR POST-TRAUMATIC STIFFNESS.” Orthopaedic Proceedings, 87-B(SUPP_III), pp. 335-335. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1302/0301-620X.87BSUPP_III.0870335c

Sharma, S., and L.A. Rymaszewski. “ELBOW ARTHROLYSIS FOR POST-TRAUMATIC STIFFNESS.” Orthopaedic Proceedings 87-B, no. SUPP_III (2005): 335-335. https://doi.org/10.1302/0301-620X.87BSUPP_III.0870335c

Sharma S, Rymaszewski L. ELBOW ARTHROLYSIS FOR POST-TRAUMATIC STIFFNESS. Orthop Procs. 2005 Sep 1;87-B(SUPP_III):335-335. https://doi.org/10.1302/0301-620X.87BSUPP_III.0870335c

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Abstract

Introduction and Aims: The aim of this study was to assess the results of open elbow arthrolysis for post-traumatic stiffness.

Method: This is a prospective study of 89 patients (M: F 53:36) with a mean age of 34 years. All patients had open elbow arthrolysis followed by continuous passive motion (CPM) for 72 hours. CPM was facilitated by analgesia in the form of a continuous brachial plexus block. After CPM patients were advised to actively mobilise their elbow. The minimum follow-up was one year. (Mean follow-up 47 months). Range of movement (ROM) was recorded using a goniometer; function was assessed using the mayo score and pain using the visual analogue score.

Results: ROM improved from 60.9 to 104.2 degrees, flexion improved from 119.8 to 136.3 and extension improved from 58.9 to 32.1 degrees. Pain improved from 4.8 to 3.1 and the Mayo score improved from 60 to 85. In the sub-group of 25 patients with severe stiffness (pre-operative arc < 50 degrees), ROM improved from 29.6 to 89 degrees. Flexion improved from 99.2 to 132.2 degrees, extension improved 70 to 43.2 degrees. Pain improved from 5.6 to 4.0 and the Mayo score improved from 40 to 75. In the sub-group of 29 patients with a minimum follow-up of five years, ROM improved from 57.7 to 104.3 degrees at the year one post-operative assessment. ROM was maintained at their last follow-up, measuring 108.6 degrees. The pain score improved from 4.3 to 2.8 and was at 2.7 at their last follow-up. The Mayo score improved from 65 to 85 at year one, which was maintained at their last follow-up.

Conclusion: Open elbow arthrolysis for post-traumatic stiffness of the elbow is a durable procedure for improving ROM and function. Moreover the results of elbow arthrolysis are not influenced by the degree of pre-operative stiffness.

These abstracts were prepared by Editorial Secretary, George Sikorski. Correspondence should be addressed to Australian Orthopaedic Association, Ground Floor, The William Bland Centre, 229 Macquarie Street, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia.

At least one of the authors is receiving or has received material benefits or support from a commercial source.