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Open arthrolysis and hinged external fixation for posttraumatic ankylosed elbows
Hong-jiang Ruan1, Shen Liu, Cun-yi Fan
1Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 600 Yishan Road, Shanghai, 200233, People's Republic of China, ruanhongjiang@126.com.
Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery
|November 28, 2012
Summary
This study shows that arthrolysis with hinged external fixation effectively restores elbow range of motion in patients with ankylosed elbows. The procedure significantly improved function and patient outcomes, offering a viable treatment for severe elbow stiffness.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic surgery
- Reconstructive surgery
- Traumatology
Background:
- Ankylosed elbow is defined by a 0° range of motion, severely limiting movement.
- This study retrospectively analyzed 15 patients with ankylosed elbows treated with arthrolysis and hinged external fixation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of arthrolysis and hinged external fixation in treating ankylosed elbows.
- To assess the improvement in range of motion and functional outcomes post-surgery.
Main Methods:
- Fifteen patients (9 male, 6 female; mean age 37.93 years) with completely ankylosed elbows underwent arthrolysis.
- Surgical approaches included medial/lateral (11), posterior (3), and posterior/lateral (1).
- All patients received hinged external fixators and anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve.
Main Results:
- Postoperative mean elbow range of motion improved significantly from 0° to 115.67°.
- Mayo Elbow Performance Score improved from 67.67 to 86.67, with 9 excellent, 5 good, and 1 fair result.
- The observed improvements were statistically significant (t = -6.862; p < 0.001).
Conclusions:
- Open arthrolysis combined with hinged external fixation is effective for post-traumatic ankylosed elbows.
- A combination of medial and lateral approaches for arthrolysis is recommended.
- Hinged external fixation and anterior ulnar nerve transposition aid postoperative recovery from elbow stiffness.
