Surgery for Elbow Flexion Contractures
Author Information
Author(s): Brinsden Mark D, Carr Andrew J, Rees Jonathan L
Primary Institution: The Nuffield Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
Hypothesis
Can a limited lateral approach effectively treat post-traumatic flexion contractures of the elbow?
Conclusion
Surgical release via a limited lateral approach significantly improves elbow extension, especially for extrinsic contractures.
Supporting Evidence
- The mean pre-operative flexion deformity was 55 degrees, corrected to 17 degrees at surgery.
- At medium-term follow-up, the mean residual deformity was 32 degrees.
- Patients with extrinsic contractures had better outcomes than those with intrinsic contractures.
Takeaway
Doctors can help people with stiff elbows from injuries by doing a special surgery that makes it easier to straighten the arm.
Methodology
Surgical release was performed on 23 patients with elbow flexion contractures, classified as extrinsic or intrinsic, using a limited lateral approach.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the lack of a control group and reliance on subjective patient satisfaction.
Limitations
The study had a small sample size and relied on patient-reported outcomes for follow-up.
Participant Demographics
15 males and 8 females, median age 35 years (range 16-52 years).
Statistical Information
P-Value
p = 0.02
Confidence Interval
95%CI 48 – 61
Statistical Significance
p < 0.01
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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