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Factors influencing elbow arthrolysis.
A Schindler1, B Yaffe, A Chetrit
1Hand Surgery Unit, Chaim Sheba Medical Centre, Tel Hashomer, Israel.
Annales De Chirurgie De La Main Et Du Membre Superieur : Organe Officiel Des Societes De Chirurgie De La Main = Annals of Hand and Upper Limb Surgery
|January 1, 1991
Summary
Elbow joint arthrolysis significantly improved range of motion after trauma. Continuous passive motion (CPM) use post-surgery was key for better extension recovery in this study.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Traumatology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Traumatic injuries frequently cause elbow joint stiffness, limiting range of motion (ROM).
- Elbow arthrolysis is a surgical procedure to restore ROM in cases of post-traumatic stiffness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate factors influencing functional outcomes after elbow joint arthrolysis for post-traumatic stiffness.
- To determine the efficacy of continuous passive motion (CPM) in post-operative recovery.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 31 patients undergoing elbow arthrolysis between 1982-1988.
- Data collected included patient demographics, injury details, surgical delay, and post-operative management (including CPM).
- Pre- and post-operative ROM measurements were compared to assess functional improvement.
Main Results:
- Overall significant improvement in elbow ROM (mean 35.2 degrees, p < 0.0001).
- 90% of patients improved ROM by at least 10 degrees; 30% achieved normal ROM.
- Continuous passive motion (CPM) use was significantly associated with greater improvement in extension (32.6 vs 12.8 degrees, p < 0.01).
Conclusions:
- Elbow arthrolysis is an effective treatment for post-traumatic ROM restriction.
- Continuous passive motion (CPM) may enhance extension recovery following elbow arthrolysis.
- No other evaluated factors predicted flexion or extension improvement.