OBJECTIVETo evaluate early clinical outcome after arthroscopic treatment of elbow dysfunction.

METHODSFrom September 2007 to December 2009, 21 patients with elbow dysfunction were treated with an arthroscopic procedure. All patients had chronic history of elbow dysfunction. Extension lag was 18.2° (10° - 25°) combined with pain. All patients underwent five-portals arthroscopic release and debridement. Postoperative care including anti-infection, rehabilitation and prophylaxis of myositis ossificans were prescribed. All elbows were assessed for increase in ROM and Mayo assessment before and after surgery. Mayo score assessment: ≥ 90 points, excellent; 75 - 89 points, good; 60 - 74 points, common; < 60, bad. Complications were evaluated.

RESULTSAt an average follow-up of 19.7 months (6 - 29 months), all patients had improvement of extension and relief of pain. The average lag of extension was 2.4° (0° - 5°). Pre-operative Mayo assessment: good, 13 patients; common, 5 patients; bad, 3 patients. Post-operation Mayo assessment: excellent, 17 patients; good, 4 patients; common, 0 patients; bad, 0 patient. There was no complication in this case serial.

CONCLUSIONSArthroscopic surgery can minimize trauma and bleeding, and reduce complications. Combined with reasonable rehabilitation, arthroscopic surgery can improve elbow function and appears to be satisfactory management.