ARTHROSCOPIC TREATMENT OF POSTTRAUMATIC ELBOW PAIN AND STIFFNESS

Nineteen consecutive cases of posttraumatic arthrofibrosis of the elbo w secondary to a fracture or fracture-dislocation and treated with art hroscopic debridement and manipulation were retrospectively reviewed. All of the patients had pain and stiffness in their elbows, and all ha d failed a conservative therapy program. All 19 patients were followed postoperatively for an average of 29 months (range, 12 to 51). One hu ndred-point scoring systems were used to evaluate subjective (pain, sw elling, locking, and activities) and objective (range of motion) resul ts. The average preoperative subjective score of 39 improved to 91 pos toperatively (P = 0.0001); the objective score improved from 46 preope ratively to 81 postoperatively (P = 0.0001). Extension improved from a mean of 29-degrees to 11-degrees; flexion improved from an average of 123-degrees to 134-degrees. Fourteen patients had limitations in thei r sports activity preoperatively; 11 were able to return to their prei njury levels of activity after surgery. This study demonstrated good-t o-excellent overall results in 79% of the patients treated with arthro scopic debridement for posttraumatic elbow arthrofibrosis. Although co mplete return of preinjury motion was not obtained, each patient showe d a significant improvement in motion and subjective symptoms.