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Open surgical treatment of posttraumatic elbow contractures in children
Nicole L Strauss1, Lisa Lattanza
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA.
Insights
Posttraumatic elbow stiffness in children significantly impacts daily life. Surgical contracture release effectively restores range of motion for affected children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Orthopedics
- Trauma Surgery
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Posttraumatic elbow stiffness in children hinders daily activities and recreation.
- Common causes include supracondylar humerus fractures, elbow dislocations, and fracture-dislocations.
- Functional limitations are often defined by flexion contractures exceeding 30 degrees or a limited arc of motion (30-130 degrees).
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of surgical contracture release for posttraumatic elbow stiffness in pediatric patients.
- To determine the impact of surgical intervention on functional limitations and range of motion.
Main Methods:
- Review of pediatric cases with posttraumatic elbow stiffness.
- Surgical release procedures for elbow contractures.
- Assessment of pre- and post-operative range of motion and functional outcomes.
Main Results:
- Surgical contracture release consistently improved the range of motion in pediatric patients.
- Restoration of elbow function was observed following the surgical intervention.
Conclusions:
- Surgical contracture release is a beneficial treatment for children with posttraumatic elbow stiffness.
- The procedure effectively addresses functional limitations and enhances elbow mobility.
Abstract:
Posttraumatic elbow stiffness in children can be a severe obstacle to accomplishing basic activities of daily living, including dressing, and participating in recreational activities. The etiology of this stiffness is typically extrinsic or instrinsic pathology caused by an earlier supracondylar humerus fracture, elbow dislocation, or elbow fracture-dislocation. Children with functional limitations, typically associated with flexion contractures greater than 30 degrees or less than a functional arc (30 to 130 degrees) can benefit from surgical contracture release, which consistently improves range of motion.
