Abstract
We evaluated clinical results and postoperative problems associated with arthrolysis for post-traumatic contracture of the elbow joint. Arthrolysis was carried out in 47 elbows in 46 patients. Age at the time of arthroplasty ranged from 12 to 64 years (average 33 years). The period from time of injury to arthrolysis ranged from six months to six years (average 16 months). It was notable that scarring of the anterior capsule was pronounced in cases of long-term contracture. No apparent differences were observed in causes or age at operation, but the duration of preoperative symptoms and period of postoperative external fixation tended to affect the outcome. We conclude that arthrolysis is indicated irrespective of preoperative range of motion (ROM) and age, and that the surgery should be carried out before degeneration of cartilage and muscle atrophy progress. It was considered that long-term postoperative observation is also necessary, because in some cases there was postoperative progression of joint deformities, while in others there was decreased muscle strength after surgery.
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More From: Hand surgery : an international journal devoted to hand and upper limb surgery and related research : journal of the Asia-Pacific Federation of Societies for Surgery of the Hand
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