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J Shoulder Elbow Surg · Aug 2020
Arthroscopic arthrolysis leads to improved range of motion and health-related quality of life in post-traumatic elbow stiffness.
- Anna J Schreiner, Nicola Schweikardt, Dorothee Gühring, Marc-Daniel Ahrend, Stefan Döbele, Sufian S Ahmad, Matthias Baumann, Michael T Hirschmann, Federico Bozzi, and Atesch Ateschrang.
- BG Trauma Center Tübingen, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
- J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2020 Aug 1; 29 (8): 1538-1547.
BackgroundPost-traumatic elbow stiffness is a frequent and disabling complication after elbow trauma. Surgical release is needed if conservative treatment fails. In contrast to open surgical release, arthroscopic arthrolysis is a good and least invasive option to restore joint mobility. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes, range of motion (ROM), and function of post-traumatic elbow contracture after arthroscopic arthrolysis and to assess health-related quality of life (HRQL).MethodsBetween 2007 and 2013, 44 patients with post-traumatic elbow stiffness were treated by arthroscopic arthrolysis and followed up in a consecutive series. Clinical (ROM) and functional analyses (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Questionnaire [DASH], Mayo Elbow Performance Index [MEPI]) were performed at final follow-up 3 (1-7) years postoperatively. Furthermore, HRQL was evaluated (EQ-5D, 36-Item Short Form Health Survey [SF-36]).DiscussionThe average arc of elbow motion increased from 84° ± 28° preoperatively to 120° ± 18° postoperatively. All applied scores significantly improved pre- to postoperatively: the MEPI (59.8 ± 17.3 / 84.3 ± 14.0), DASH (43.5 ± 23.1 / 16.8 ± 15.6), EQ-5D (72.8 ± 16.6 / 84.0 ± 13.6), and SF-36 showed improved results in all categories. Univariate logistic regression revealed that preoperative pain level predicts a poorer postoperative outcome measured with the MEPI score. Revision arthroscopy was needed in 1 case because of persistent pain.ConclusionsArthroscopic arthrolysis leads to good clinical and functional results in post-traumatic elbow stiffness regarding ROM, pain relief, functionality, and quality of life. The complication rate as well as the revision rate is very low.Copyright © 2020 Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Board of Trustees. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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