[Arthrolysis of the elbow joint].

Promising results can be achieved in arthrolysis of the elbow joint in case of a strictly observed indication and if the intervention is carried out by an experienced surgeon. The problems of motivation in case of an existing indication are described. Only a motivated patient will be capable to cooperate to such an extent as is necessary for the postoperative follow-up treatment. Good results are subject to three conditions: the performance of the surgeon, i.e. the intervention itself, cooperation, and follow-up under medical supervision. This last point is especially important for the therapy result, because at present several health insurances have formed the opinion that after the operation the patient shall be abmitted for example to a physiotherapeutic institute without constant medical control. This is just the way which produces deleterious results especially following to arthrolysis, but also after all other accident surgeries and in particular after joint operations.