Operative Release of Post-traumatic Elbow Contractures |
Yang-Guk Chung, Yang-Soo Kim, Jung-Man Kim, Jeong-Tek Whang |
외상 후 발생한 주관절 구축의 외과적 유리술 |
정양국, 김양수, 김정만, 황정택 |
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Abstract |
Purpose To analyze the clinical results of operative release of post-traumatic elbow contractures. Materials and methods: Twenty-two patients with post-traumatic elbow contracture underwent operative release. The average preoperative range of motion (ROM) was 66.8 degrees with an average flexion contracture of 38.4 degrees and an average further flexion to 105.2 degrees. Seventeen patients underwent open release and the other five underwent arthroscopic release. Medial approach was used most commonly. Anterior transpositions of ulnar nerves were performed in 9 patients. The mean follow-up period was 40.4 months. The final ROM of the elbows and functional results were analyzed. Results: The average final ROM was 117.6 degrees with an average ROM gain of 50.8 degrees. The average Mayo elbow performance index score was 88.9, ten were excellent, nine were good, and three were fair in details. There was no significant difference of ROM or functional score between arthroscopic and open release groups. All of the ulnar neuropathies existing preoperatively were much improved after anterior transposition of nerves. However, one of three patients who underwent only neurolysis revealed newly developed ulnar neuropathy postoperatively. Conclusion: Operative release of post-traumatic elbow contractures showed improvement of ROM and functional outcomes in both arthroscopic and open release groups. |
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