Abstract

LOPEZ DIAZ, Haysell; PENA MARRERO, Liván; SALLES BETANCOURT, Guido  and  CABRERA VILTRES, Nelson. Arthrolysis by medial approach in surgical treatment of post-trauma stiffness of the elbow. Rev Cubana Ortop Traumatol [online]. 2005, vol.19, n.2, pp. 0-0. ISSN 1561-3100.

A prospective interventional study was carried out in 18 patients diagnosed with post-trauma stiffness of the elbow, who had been seen at "Frank País" International Scientific Orthopedic Complex from December 2000 to December 2003. The treatment was based on elbow arthrolysis with medial approach to the joint. 88.8 % of patients were under 40 years of age; 83.3 % were males; 33.3 % presented with heterotopic ossification of the elbow. No complications were observed in 83.3 % of patients after the treatment. The average movement range improved from 46 to 99 flexion, with 53 average arch, reaching 18 to 124 flexion after 6 months of surgery. Average arch increased to 106 . Average gain in movement range was 53 . Good results were attained in 66.7 % of patients. The highest percentage of good results was shown in under 20 years-old patients. Gain in movement in those patients with joint fractures was lower than that of the other groups. The length of time that the stiffness of the elbow affected the patient did not significantly influence the results achieved in the studied cases.

Keywords : surgical treatment; arthrolysis; elbow; medial approach.

        · abstract in Spanish | French     · text in Spanish     · Spanish ( pdf )