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DOS Kongressen 2017 ·
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Longterm clinical results in patients treated with ar-
throscopic release for elbow stiffness
Taj Haubuf, Janne Ovesen, Hans Viggo Johannsen
Shoulder and Elbow Unit, Orthopedic , Aarhus University Hospital; Shoulder and
Elbow Unit, Orthopedic , Aarhus University Hospital; Shoulder and Elbow Unit,
Orthopedic , Aarhus University Hospital
Background:
Elbow stiffness is most commonly caused by trauma, osteoar-
thritis, arthritis or infections. Development of arthroscopic technique has made
arthroscopic arthrolysis more common for treatment of elbow contractures, al-
though it is a technically demanding technique.
Purpose / Aim of Study:
The purpose was to report the long-term functional
and radiologic outcomes after arthroscopic surgery in elbow contractures both
post-traumatic and degenerative.
Materials and Methods:
All patients who received arthroscopic release be-
tween 2000 and 2005 where invited for clinical evaluations. So fare 127 pa-
tients (out of 197) were reviewed with a mean follow-up of 172 months (134
to 202). We performed the clinical follow-up with clinical examination of ROM,
pain score (VAS), Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) and the Danish ver-
sion of Oxford Elbow Score (D-OES). Furthermore, conventional x-rays anteri-
or-posterior and side view of the elbow where obtained. Any reoperations and
complications where recorded. All perimeters were compared with the patient’s
old journals.
Findings / Results:
The mean ROM improved 15° in both pronation and supi-
nation, 15° in extension and 13° in flexion. The mean D-OES was 83 (48-100)
and the average MEPS improved from 65 to 89. VAS improved on average 3,5
and patients reported a 22% better daily function of their elbow after surgery.
79 patients had surgery due to post-traumatic stiffness and 48 patients due
to degenerative stiffness. 8 cases had complications, 3 ulnar neuropathy and 2
deep infections and 3 superficial infections. 4 patient had another operation due
to complications.
Conclusions:
Long term follow-up results shows that arthroscopy surgery for
stiff elbow is safe, complications rate is low and it offers a useful improvement
in ROM, pain, daily function and subjectively results.
No conflicts of interest reported
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