Research Article

Long-term Results of Open Arthrolysis for Elbow Stiffness

Volume: 14 Number: 2 March 17, 2023
Acıbadem Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi Cover
Acıbadem Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi
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Long-term Results of Open Arthrolysis for Elbow Stiffness

Abstract

Purpose Stiff elbow is a common upper extremity problem which can limit patients’ daily life activities. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term outcomes of open arthrolysis for stiff elbow. Our hypothesis was that open arthrolysis would yield good functional results and patient satisfaction. Methods This retrospective study assessed 110 patients who underwent surgery for stiff elbow in a single institute between 2003-2012. Twenty-four of the patients who underwent open arthrolysis without heterotopic ossification excision and minimum followed up for 24 months were included in this study. All patient’s surgical procedure, ulnar nerve and radial head management, preoperative and postoperative ranges of elbow motion and complications were noted. Functional outcomes were evaluated with Quick-DASH and Mayo Elbow Performance score (MEPS). Results The mean age of the patients was 36.1 years at the time of open arthrolysis and mean follow-up period was 50.6 months. The mean preoperative flexion–extension arc increased form 52.4 to 96.5 and preoperative supination–pronation arc increased form 103.3 to 137.8 (p<0.05). The mean MEPS score was 81.6 and the Q-DASH score was 6.3. Complication occurred in 9 patients (37.5%) and 4 patients required additional surgery. Conclusion Open arthrolysis is an effective treatment method for stiff elbows, with reliable long-term functional outcomes. The complication rates are high; however, they are generally minor and temporary.

Keywords

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Orthopaedics

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Publication Date

March 17, 2023

Submission Date

December 11, 2022

Acceptance Date

February 27, 2023

Published in Issue

Year 2023 Volume: 14 Number: 2

DOI

https://doi.org/10.31067/acusaglik.1217574

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA44SW38KF

Cite

RIS / Bibtex
EndNote
Tunalı O, Kapıcıoğlu M, Erşen A, Atalar A, Demirhan M, Durmaz H (March 1, 2023) Long-term Results of Open Arthrolysis for Elbow Stiffness. Acıbadem Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi 14 2 141–146.

Cited By

The role of preoperative factors, surgical approach, and mobilization protocol for improved surgical outcomes after open elbow arthrolysis in post-traumatic elbow stiffness: an ambispective cohort study

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https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jse.2025.02.042