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Abstract
Background and purpose Posttraumatic stiffness is a common complication of elbow injury and can result in considerable impairment in daily life. We assessed the outcome in 21 patients treated by a column procedure.
Patients and methods We followed 21 patients (average age 40 (10–76) years, 11 women) for 2 years after surgery for a stiff elbow. Range of motion (ROM) and function (EFA score) were measured preoperatively and at 3,12, and 24 months postoperatively.
Results Before surgery, the mean ROM was 69° (SD 24) and the mean EFA score was 74 (SD 13), which improved significantly to 104° (17) and 91 (6), respectively, after release. There were no significant differences between the postoperative measurements at 3,12, and 24 months. No neurovascular complications were noted; 2 patients developed periarticular ossifications postoperatively.
Interpretation A column procedure results in an increase in motion and functional scores at 2-year follow-up. Outcome at 3 months after treatment is the same as after 2 years.
Contributions of authors
UG: scored the patients postoperatively, wrote the manuscript, and prepared the tables and figures. DE: scored the patients preoperatively and performed all the surgery; she also edited parts of the manuscript.