Arthroscopic surgery for treatment of stiff elbow

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the results of arthroscopic surgery for treatment of stiff elbow. Methods From December 2003 to December 2006,15 cases of elbow stiffness were treated arthroscopically. The time duration from onset to surgery ranged from 6 months to 20 years (mean, 39.6 months). Four portals (anterolateral, anteromedial, postero-lateral-central, and postero-lateral-upper) were routinely used for arthroscopic debridement and release. A posterocentral portal was added to perform olecranon fussa fenestration enlargement plasty under arthroscopic control in 3 cases. Finally, manual release was performed. Results All cases were followed up for 18 to 36 months (mean, 26.3 months). Before the surgery, elbow flexion was (100.0±13.1)°, extension (47.9±11.9)°, and the arc of motion was (52.1±11.6)°. At the last follow up, elbow flexion was improved to (133.0±19.4)°,extensiun to (8.7±8.8)°,and the arc of motion was improved to (124.3±27.3)°. According to the modified Andrews elbow rating scale, results of 2 cases were rated as excellent, 8 cases as good, 4 cases as fair and 1 case as poor. Thus, the excellent and good rate was 67 %. Conclusion Arthroscopic surgery to treat elbow stiffness has such advantages as minimally-invasiveness, less blood loss, fast recovery and clear visualization. However the results are not always consistent. As for cases with serious cartilage damage, it seems that arthroscopic surgery cannot completely prevent progression of the disease. Therefore, the surgery should be indicated with a cautious manner. Key words: Elbow joint; Axthroscopes; Surgical procedures,minimally invasive; Joint stiffness