Hinged External Fixator And Arthrolysis For Treating Traumatic Elbow Stiffness

ObjectiveObserve the effect of hinged external fixator with elbow lysis treatment of traumatic elbow stiffness. MethodsThere were treated 49 cases of trauma caused by the elbow stiffness in patients during January 2010 to June 2015,Three patients have not been followed up because of lives in the field, 46 cases were followed, included in the study, There are 32 males 14 females; aged 18 to 53 years, mean 35.2 years old. The patients underwent hinged external fixator after elbow lysis, Intraoperative the ulnar nerve, the deep branch of radial nerve as well as the inside and lateral collateral ligament must be protect, with limited release of the ligament, After surgery a planned exercise must be done, NSAIDS used 6 weeks after surgery. Measured the ROM of elbow and the elbow functional score before and after surgery, Evaluation of surgical treatment. Results46 patients were followed up for 12 to 27 months(average 17.3 months).The average time with external fixation is 6 weeks. The ROM of elbow: preoperative mean 42.39± 22.56(0-90), 96.22 ± 18.20(60-140), improved 53.83± 13.65(0-140); Mayo elbow performance score: preoperative mean(71.46 ± 11.93)(60 to 100), postoperative mean(91.61 ± 6.38)(85 to 100), improved(20.15 ± 9.53)(0- 40), the above items before and after surgery have statistically significant(p <0.05). ConclusionMaster the indications and operating skills, protect nerve and ligament and limited release ligament during surgery with hinged external fixator after surgery can get a good result to traumatic elbow stiffness.