Aim of the study: Analysis of results after operative treatment of elbow stiffness in a retrospective clinical study.
Methods: 36 patients were evaluated by an independent observer with a mean follow-up of 53 months (7-128). The mean age at operation was 32.9 years (4-64). Post-traumatic origins of elbow stiffness were differentiated from non-traumatic origins. The evaluation was done according to a modified Morrey-Score with 37 points of range of motion, 30 points of pain and 12 points of activity of daily living. The absolute and relative improvement of range of motion was calculated. The strength of elbow flexion and extension was measured with a isocinetic dynamometer in 23 patients.
Results: The mean score improved from 46.6 to 67.4 points postoperative (p < 0.001). Range of motion improved from 30.1 to 34.2, pain from 9.9 to 23.1 and ADL from 6.6 to 10.1 points. The mean relative improvement of range of motion for flexion-extension was 49%, for pronation-supination 25%. The strength of flexion was 78.5%, the strength of extension 77.4% of the unaffected contralateral side. The results were affected by grade, duration and origin of elbow stiffness.
Conclusion: The operative therapy of post-traumatic and non-traumatic elbow stiffness is an effective option of treatment, when conservative therapy failed. The range of motion improved, and the patients were able to manage 80% of the activities of daily living.