Lukas Willinger1, Sebastian Siebenlist1, Andreas Lenich2, Franz Liska1, Andreas B Imhoff3, Andrea Achtnich1. 1. Department of Orthopaedic Sports Medicine, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich, Ismaningerstr. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany. 2. Department of Trauma and Orthopedic Surgery, HELIOS Klinikum München West, Munich, Germany. 3. Department of Orthopaedic Sports Medicine, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich, Ismaningerstr. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany. imhoff@tum.de.
Abstract
PURPOSE AND HYPOTHESIS: The purpose of this retrospective study was to report on the functional outcome after arthroscopic arthrolysis in patients with post-traumatic or degenerative elbow stiffness. It was hypothesized that this operative procedure leads to improved range of motion (ROM) and improved functional outcome in both groups. METHODS: Patients who underwent arthroscopic arthrolysis of the elbow between 2010 and 2015 were included in this study. Forty-two patients with an average age of 41.0 ± 13.5 years were available for evaluation. The mean follow-up was 28.3 ± 14.9 months. With regard to aetiology of elbow contractures, patients were divided into post-traumatic (group A) and degenerative (group B) cohort. General patients' data, previous surgical treatment and ROM were recorded. At follow-up evaluation, the clinical outcome was assessed by the ROM, visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain assessment and the Elbow Self-Assessment Score (ESAS). RESULTS: The mean arc of motion of group A (n = 20) increased from preoperatively 74.3° to 120.5° postoperatively (p < 0.001); group B (n = 22) showed an improvement of 104.6° preoperatively to 123.4° after surgery (p = 0.002). Mean improvement was 46.3° ± 27.5° in group A and 16.4° ± 19.4° in group B. Mean post-operative VAS was 0.9 ± 1.5 in group A and 1.3 ± 2.2 in group B. 92.9% of patients achieved a functional arc of elbow motion >100°. The ESAS indicated good to excellent clinical outcome showing 88.8 ± 10.0 points in group A and 84.1 ± 21.4 points in group B. Thirty-six patients (85.7%) returned to their previous work level after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic arthrolysis is an effective treatment option for patients with restriction in elbow motion reasoned by post-traumatic or degenerative changes. Both groups showed a significant improvement of ROM and comparable outcome scores. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic study, Level IV.
PURPOSE AND HYPOTHESIS: The purpose of this retrospective study was to report on the functional outcome after arthroscopic arthrolysis in patients with post-traumatic or degenerative elbow stiffness. It was hypothesized that this operative procedure leads to improved range of motion (ROM) and improved functional outcome in both groups. METHODS: Patients who underwent arthroscopic arthrolysis of the elbow between 2010 and 2015 were included in this study. Forty-two patients with an average age of 41.0 ± 13.5 years were available for evaluation. The mean follow-up was 28.3 ± 14.9 months. With regard to aetiology of elbow contractures, patients were divided into post-traumatic (group A) and degenerative (group B) cohort. General patients' data, previous surgical treatment and ROM were recorded. At follow-up evaluation, the clinical outcome was assessed by the ROM, visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain assessment and the Elbow Self-Assessment Score (ESAS). RESULTS: The mean arc of motion of group A (n = 20) increased from preoperatively 74.3° to 120.5° postoperatively (p < 0.001); group B (n = 22) showed an improvement of 104.6° preoperatively to 123.4° after surgery (p = 0.002). Mean improvement was 46.3° ± 27.5° in group A and 16.4° ± 19.4° in group B. Mean post-operative VAS was 0.9 ± 1.5 in group A and 1.3 ± 2.2 in group B. 92.9% of patients achieved a functional arc of elbow motion >100°. The ESAS indicated good to excellent clinical outcome showing 88.8 ± 10.0 points in group A and 84.1 ± 21.4 points in group B. Thirty-six patients (85.7%) returned to their previous work level after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic arthrolysis is an effective treatment option for patients with restriction in elbow motion reasoned by post-traumatic or degenerative changes. Both groups showed a significant improvement of ROM and comparable outcome scores. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic study, Level IV.
Authors: Marc Beirer; Henrik Friese; Andreas Lenich; Moritz Crönlein; Gunther H Sandmann; Peter Biberthaler; Chlodwig Kirchhoff; Sebastian Siebenlist Journal: Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc Date: 2015-05-17 Impact factor: 4.342
Authors: Benjamin G Williams; Dean G Sotereanos; Mark E Baratz; Claudius D Jarrett; Aaron I Venouziou; Mark C Miller Journal: J Shoulder Elbow Surg Date: 2012-06-26 Impact factor: 3.019