SYNOVECTOMY, RADIAL HEAD EXCISION, AND ANTERIOR CAPSULAR RELEASE IN STAGE-III INFLAMMATORY ARTHRITIS OF THE ELBOW

A retrospective study was performed to analyze the results of elbow sy novectomy, radial head excision, and anterior capsular release in 12 e lbows in 11 patients with radiographic stage III inflammatory arthriti s. The follow-up period averaged 6.1 years. Average flexion are improv ed from 93 degrees (range, 80 degrees-110 degrees) to 116 degrees (ran ge, 65 degrees-140 degrees), with flexion contracture improving 13 deg rees. Total are of forearm relation increased from 95 degrees to 145 d egrees. Ewald scores improved from an average of 37 to 84 points. Pain was eliminated or improved in all cases; functional improvement was n oted in all patients. Serial postoperative radiographs showed no signi ficant disease progression over time. These results suggest that combi ned synovectomy, radial head excision, and anterior capsular release e ffectively relieves pain and improves function in stage III inflammato ry arthritis of the elbow.