Elbow flexorplasty. An analysis of long-term results

We analyzed the long-term functional results in twenty-five consecutive patients who underwent Steindler elbow flexorplasty between 1952 and 1976. In eighteen patients, the elbow flexorplasty was augmented by a glenohumeral arthrodesis. The mean length of the follow-up was 9.3 years. The mean arc of active flexion following floxorplasty was 95 degrees. The postoperative loss of elbow extension averaged 36 degrees. The mean postoperative active pronation was 79 degrees and supination, 51 degrees. In two patients mild transient ulnar paresthesias developed following flexorplasty. At final evaluation, fourteen patients were judged to have excellent; six, good; four, fair; and one, poor function. All but one patient noted subjective improvement after the procedure.