OBJECTIVETo report the method and result of open arthrolysis of patients who suffered from severe post-traumatic elbow stiffness.

METHODSOf the 12 patients, there were 9 male and 3 female, average age of 32 years old (16 - 47 years). Primary injury included 7 simple fractures, 1 simple dislocation, 2 fracture dislocations and 2 soft tissue injury. The averaged time of immobilization after injury was 3.3 weeks (0 - 8 weeks). The averaged time between injury and open arthrolysis was 6.4 months (1 - 14 months). Before open arthrolysis, the mean arc of total motion was 33.8 degrees (0 degrees - 80 degrees ). Three patients suffered from forearm rotation deficiency. Posterior approach was used for 4 patients, medial approach for 2 patients and both medial and lateral approach for 6 patients. tissues were resected, which hindered the motion of the elbow and perform proximal radioulnar joint arthrolysis for some patients. After arthrolysis, the arc of elbow motion could reach 0 degrees - 140 degrees , and for the patients who suffered from forearm rotation deficiency, pronation 80 degrees and supination 90 degrees were gotten. Ulnar nerve transposition was not a routine. The patients began active and active-assisted elbow and forearm movement the first day after operation. Indomethacin was taken the first day after open arthrolysis routinely.

RESULTSTwelve patients were followed up for 14 - 18 months (averaged 15.8 months). At the latest follow-up, the mean arc of total motion was 120.8 degrees (100 degrees - 140 degrees ). Nine patients recovered the functional arc of 30 degrees - 130 degrees , and 10 patients extended to less than 10 degrees , and 4 patients could extend to 0 degrees . As for the 3 patients who suffered forearm rotation deficiency, the forearm rotation improved. The mean Mayo elbow performance score was 70.4 (50 - 90) before open arthrolysis, and 98.8 (85 - 100) after open arthrolysis. No patient was found to have signs of heterotopic ossification.

CONCLUSIONSFor the treatment of post-traumatic stiff elbow, with careful open arthrolysis and early active and active-assisted exercise we can get good results.