Abstract
Elbow contracture is a recognized sequel of elbow trauma. We aim at reviewing the clinical outcome of surgical capsulectomy and elbow debridement.
The operative notes as well as pre and post-operative clinical records were reviewed for 15 patients who sustained an elbow trauma which resulted in elbow contracture and were managed with open capsulectomy and debridement. In addition two patients had anterior transfer of the ulnar nerve, twohad removal of loose bodies, two had excision of heterotopic bone, one patient had reconstruction of the medial collateral ligament and one patient had repair of the lateral collateral ligament .
These patients were followed up for a mean of 21 months (6 to 37).
Elbow flexion contracture improved from a mean of 37° (10° to 55°), to a mean of 10° (0° to 25°). Elbow flex-ion improved from a mean of 125° (95° to 140°) to a mean of 129° (90° to 140°). There were no major complications. Two patients underwent repeat debridement due to recurrence of contracture. One patient developed serious collection that settled gradually.
We conclude that open capsulectomy and debridement is a satisfactory way of management of post-traumatic elbow contracture in the short and intermediate term.
The abstracts were prepared by Jean-Claude Theis. Correspondence should be addressed to him at Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Dunedin Hospital, Private Bag 1921, Dunedin, New Zealand.
