Operative management of the stiff elbow: sequential arthrolysis based on a transhumeral approach

Between December 1990 and September 1993, 26 consecutive patients (27 elbows) were treated for elbow contractures. We used a modified transhumeral approach supplemented by a limited lateral approach with or without a limited medial approach according to the correction gained after each step of the procedure. Eleven posttraumatic, 6 degenerative, and 10 miscellaneous contractures were evaluated. The mean follow-up was 30 months. Statistically significant improvement in the range of motion was obtained for all groups of patients; the mean flexion-extension arc of motion increased from 66 degrees to 100 degrees for the posttraumatic contractures, from 79 degrees to 102 degrees for the degenerative contractures, and from 85 degrees to 121 degrees for a miscellaneous group of contractures. Relief of pain was not an issue in the posttraumatic group; it was not significant for the degenerative group but was significant for the miscellaneous group. Flexion and extension force were maintained, and no joint was made unstable. Complications included three transient ulnar neuropathies and one tardy ulnar nerve palsy. The technique presented offers the advantage of virtually unlimited exposure of the joint in a stepwise manner, dictated by the intraoperative assessment of joint motion combined with preservation of the medial and lateral collateral ligament complexes and all relevant muscle insertions and origins. The concept is applicable to contractures of differing cause and can be adapted to the specific needs of the patient.