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. 2021 Nov 10;22(1):941.
doi: 10.1186/s12891-021-04796-3.

Comparative study of the functional outcomes of combined medial-lateral approach arthrolysis with or without external fixation for severe elbow stiffness

Dan Xiao #  1 , Maoqi Gong #  1 , Chen Chen  1 , Yejun Zha  1 , Ting Li  1 , Shangwei Ji  1 , Kehan Hua  1 , Weitong Sun  1 , Xieyuan Jiang  2
Affiliations

Comparative study of the functional outcomes of combined medial-lateral approach arthrolysis with or without external fixation for severe elbow stiffness

Dan Xiao et al. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. .

Abstract

Background: To evaluate and compare the functional outcomes of combined medial-lateral approach open arthrolysis with and without hinged external fixation.

Methods: We retrospectively collected and analyzed the clinical data of patients with severe elbow stiffness who were treated in our institution from January 2018 to January 2019. All of them were treated with combined medial-lateral approach arthrolysis. There were 20 patients who had the hinged external fixation placed and 29 patients without the placement of the external fixation. Their baseline characteristics and functional outcomes were evaluated and compared.

Results: The average follow-up time was 28.4 ± 3.7 months. There were no significant differences in the ROM of the elbow, MEPS, VAS, DASH, or complications between the two groups. The operation time and treatment cost of the patients without external fixation were significantly lower than patients with external fixation.

Conclusion: Combined medial-lateral approach open elbow arthrolysis without external fixation is a safe and effective way to treat elbow stiffness.

Level of evidence: Therapeutic Level III; Retrospective Cohort Comparison; Treatment Study.

Keywords: Arthrolysis; Combined medial-lateral approach; Elbow; Stiffness.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
The flowchart shows the inclusion and exclusion criteria
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
The medial incision of combined medial-lateral approach arthrolysis
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
The lateral column procedure with partial EDC split
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
The elbow was extended and flexed passively under direct vision after arthrolysis
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
Elbow function and X-ray preoperatively and postoperatively. (A and B) Preoperative extension and flexion. (C and D) Preoperative X-rays. (E and F) Extension and flexion at the last follow-up. (G and H) The X-rays at the last follow-up
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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