• Dingwei Zhang, Fuguo Huang, Zhou Xiang, Shiqiang Cen, Gang Zhong, Zhenwei Tan, and Gang Liu.
• Department of Orthopedics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu Sichuan, 610041, PR China.
• Zhongguo Xiu Fu Chong Jian Wai Ke Za Zhi. 2009 Sep 1; 23 (9): 1087-91.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the results of open arthrolysis by elevated the lateral and medial collateral ligament-musculature complex from the supracondylar ridge of the humerus in treatment of post-traumatic elbow stiffness.MethodsFrom March 2003 to December 2007, 33 patients with post-traumatic elbow stiffness were treated with open arthrolysis by elevated the lateral and medial collateral ligament-musculature complex from the supracondylar ridge of the humerus. There were 23 males and 10 females, aged 17-70 years old (mean 41.8 years old). According to Morrey, 15 cases were extremely serious (less than 30 degrees extension-flexion arc) and 18 cases were serious (30-60 degrees extension-flexion arc). The range of motion of the elbow stiffness was (32.5 +/- 28.9) degrees and the Mayo score was 51.9 +/-13.1 before operation. All initial fractures were healed according to clinical examination and X-rays films. All patients present with a post-traumatic elbow stiffness and the average period from initial trauma to elbow arthrolysis was 16.9 months (2-72 months).ResultsWound infection occurred in 1 patient and cured after dressing change and anti-infectious treatment. The wounds healed by first intension in 32 cases. No patient showed sign of elbow instability and debilitating pain. All patients were followed up 6 months to 5 years (mean 3.3 years). At last follow up, the Mayo score was 82.3 +/- 14.4 and the range of motion of elbow stiffness was (108.8 +/- 36.0) degrees; showing significant differences when compared with preoperation (P < 0.05). According to Mayo evaluation, the results were excellent in 11 cases, good in 18 cases, fair in 2 cases, and poor in 2 cases, the excellent and good rate was 87.88%. Thirty-one patients achieve satisfactory results. Two patients were not satisfied with the result, but the satisfactory results were achieved by a second arthrolysis.ConclusionOpen elbow arthrolysis and postoperative rehabilitation for patients with elbow stiffness can improve joint function and ensure the stability of elbows.

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