Post-traumatic elbow stiffness: arthroscopic release, short-term results

Open «arthrolysis» has been the standard treatment for elbow stiffness, with good results. However, the associated complications of open arthrolysis and the advancements in arthroscopic surgery have allowed including the latter as an additional approach. Between January 2014 and March 2016, 6 patients with posttraumatic elbow stiffness underwent arthroscopic surgery by the same surgical team. Pre- and post-operative assessment included pain with a numerical visual analogue scale, elbow joint range of motion with a goniometer and the Mayo Elbow Performance Index questionnaire. Mean patient follow-up was 14.5 months. The mean VAS score decreased from 4.5 to 0.3. The mean elbow range of motion increased from 55.3o to 130o, with a mean gain of 75o. The mean MEPI questionnaire score went from 46.6 to 95, with a mean gain of 48.4 points. The procedures associated with arthroscopic «arthrolysis» included removal of the synthesis material from the 3 olecranon fractures. No cases of heterotopic ossification, superficial infection or ulnar neuropathy were reported. None of the patients required surgical reintervention to perform a new «arthrolysis», whether arthroscopic or open. Arthroscopic release to treat posttraumatic elbow stiffness is an effective technique to restore mobility in the short term.