TY - JOUR
T1 - Progressive surgical release of a posttraumatic stiff elbow - Technique and outcome after 2-18 years in 46 patients
AU - Marti, René K.
AU - Kerkhoffs, Gino M. M. J.
AU - Maas, Mario
AU - Blankevoort, Leendert
PY - 2002
Y1 - 2002
N2 - We treated 46 consecutive patients (47 elbows) suffering from posttraumatic contracture of the elbow joint with operative release. A lateral approach was used to perform a capsulectomy after release of the extensor muscles in 23 elbows. An additional medial approach was used to excise ulnar adhesions and perform a more extensive capsulectomy and an ulnar nerve neurolysis in 24 elbows. Postoperative rehabilitation consisted of immediate passive range-of-motion exercises. The results were assessed after average 10 (2-18) years. Before surgery, the mean active arc of motion was 45 (SD 36) degrees, which improved to 99 (SD 34) degrees after release. 7 patients had transient ulnar paresthesia, 4 recurrent stiffness, which did not become worse after surgery, 1 was reoperated on and 2 developed a postoperative infection, which responded to antibiotic treatment after a few months. No patient suffered from joint instability, or an increase in pain. 44 patients were satisfied with the result at the latest follow-up. We found similar improvement in both treatment groups
AB - We treated 46 consecutive patients (47 elbows) suffering from posttraumatic contracture of the elbow joint with operative release. A lateral approach was used to perform a capsulectomy after release of the extensor muscles in 23 elbows. An additional medial approach was used to excise ulnar adhesions and perform a more extensive capsulectomy and an ulnar nerve neurolysis in 24 elbows. Postoperative rehabilitation consisted of immediate passive range-of-motion exercises. The results were assessed after average 10 (2-18) years. Before surgery, the mean active arc of motion was 45 (SD 36) degrees, which improved to 99 (SD 34) degrees after release. 7 patients had transient ulnar paresthesia, 4 recurrent stiffness, which did not become worse after surgery, 1 was reoperated on and 2 developed a postoperative infection, which responded to antibiotic treatment after a few months. No patient suffered from joint instability, or an increase in pain. 44 patients were satisfied with the result at the latest follow-up. We found similar improvement in both treatment groups
U2 - https://doi.org/10.1080/000164702753671713
DO - https://doi.org/10.1080/000164702753671713
M3 - Article
C2 - 12079010
SN - 0001-6470
VL - 73
SP - 144
EP - 150
JO - Acta Orthopaedica Scandinavica
JF - Acta Orthopaedica Scandinavica
IS - 2
ER -