For over a decade, modular titanium fluted tapered (TFT) stems have demonstrated excellent clinical success for femoral revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) surgery. The aim of this study was to report the short-term outcomes of a novel modern monoblock TFT stem used for revision and complex primary THA with a minimum of 2 years follow-up. We identified 126 patients who received a single monoblock TFT stem - 26 patients for complex THA (failed fracture fixation) and 100 patients for revision THA. The reasons for revision THA included 40 for previous prosthetic joint infection (PJI), 42 for aseptic loosening, 9 for trunnionosis, 9 for periprosthetic fractures. The Paprosky grading for femoral bone loss at the time of surgery and the measured subsidence of femoral stems at 3 months follow-up were determined. We evaluated the number and indications for re-operations. The mean time from surgery was 3.9 years (range 2.0 to 6.9 years). A paired t-test analysis showed significant improvement from pre-operative versus post-operative clinical outcome scores (p<0.001) for HHS (38.76 +/- 15.24vs. 83.42 +/- 15.38), WOMAC (45.6 ± 19.0 vs. 69.9 ± 21.3) and SF-12 Physical component (31.7 ± 8.1 vs. 37.8 ± 11.3) and SF-12 Mental component (48.2 ± 12.2 vs. 51.6 ± 12.5). The Paprosky grading for femoral bone loss was Grade 1 (3.9%), Grade 2 (35.7%), Grade 3A (47.6%), Grade 3B (11.1%) and Grade 4 (1.6%) cases. There were 18 re-operations (14.7%) with 13 for PJI (7 treated with implant retention, 6 treated with a two-staged revision), 4 for instability and one for acetabular aseptic loosening. There were no aseptic failures of the stem. This novel modern monoblock TFT stem provided reliable femoral fixation and has increasingly supplanted the use of modular TFT stems for complex primary and revision surgery in our institution

Objective. To analyze the short-term outcome after medial open-wedge high tibial osteotomy with a 3D-printing technology in early medial keen osteoarthritis and varus malalignment. Design and Method. 32 knees(28 cases) of mOWHTO (fixation with an angular-stable TomoFix implant(Synthes)) with a 3D-printing technology combined with arhtroscopy were prospectively surveyed with regard to functional outcome(Hospital for special knee score [HSS] score). Pre- and postoperative tibial bone varus angle (TBVA), mechanical medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA), and alignment were analyzed with regard to the result. Results. 32 knees were included (28 patients; mean age 46.5±9.3 years). The follow-up rate was 100% at 1.7±0.6 years (range, 1.2–3.2 years). Pre- and postoperative mechanical tibiofemoral axis were 6.8°±2°of varus and 1.2°± 3.4° of valgus, respectively. HSS score significantly improved from 46.0±18.3 preoperatively to 84±12 at one, 80±7 at two years (P<0.01). Conclusions. Medial open-wedge high tibial osteotomy with a 3D-printing technology combined with arthroscopy in medial keen osteoarthritis and varus malalignment is an accurate and good treatment option. High preoperative TBVA and appropriate corrected angle(0–3° of valgus)) was associated with better functional outcome at final follow-up

Abstract. Background. The gold standard treatment for Anterior Cruciate Ligament injury is reconstruction (ACL-R). Graft augmentation with suture tape (internal brace) are techniques purported to reduce the risk of rupture and hasten recovery. Our aim was to assess the short-term outcome of ACL-R using fibre tape augmented and non-augmented hamstring tendon grafts. Methods. This was a retrospective comparative study looking at augmented and non-augmented ACL-R. All procedures were performed by a single surgeon in a single centre using the same technique. The Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score [KOOS] was used to assess patient-reported outcomes. Results. There were 72 patients in the augmented and 132 patients in the control group. Confounding factors were comparable in both groups. The mean graft diameter in the augmented group was 8.81mm versus 8.01mm in the non-augmented. Six strand graft was achievable in 71% of the augmented group compared to 62.5% in the non-augmented group. Two graft failures reported in the non-augmented group and none in the augmented group. The average 14-month postoperative KOOS in the augmented group was 90.5 compared to an average 30-month score of 82.5 in the non-augmented group, which is statistically significant. Conclusion. Augmented ACL-R demonstrate statistically significant better patient-reported outcomes compared to the nonaugmented group. Graft failure rates may also be lower in augmented ACL-R

Introduction

Total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) is an increasingly popular treatment option for patients with end-stage ankle arthritis. However, for most implant systems, failure rates of 10–20% have been reported within the first 10 years after primary TAA. Pain is the primary symptom that indicates failure of TAA but cause of it can be difficult to establish.

We studied the influence of soft-tissue releases and soft-tissue balance on the outcome of 526 total knee replacements one year after operation. The surgery had been performed by seven surgeons in five centres in the United Kingdom between October 1999 and December 2002. Balancing was carried out by five surgeons using spacers and trials and by two surgeons using a ‘balancer’ instrument. All the surgeons assessed the adequacy of their releases by taking measurements with the balancer after soft-tissue release before implanting the components. Independent observers collected the Oxford knee scores and applied the American Knee Society functional and knee scores as well as recording the range of movement of the replaced knee. These were compared with the pre-operative scores and the extent of the releases. We found differences in outcomes between minimal and extensive releases and between balanced and imbalanced knees. Knees requiring extensive soft-tissue releases showed greater change in the short-term clinical outcome without increased complications and achieved similar results at one year compared with those with less deformity pre-operatively which had required less soft-tissue release. Balancing an imbalanced knee improved the short-term knee outcome

Aims

Although good clinical outcomes have been reported for monolithic tapered, fluted, titanium stems (TFTS), early results showed high rates of subsidence. Advances in stem design may mitigate these concerns. This study reports on the use of a current monolithic TFTS for a variety of indications.

Background context: Stable thoracolumbar spinal fracture is a common injury, yet there remains a relative lack of evidence that would allow reliable prediction of outcome. Variation in outcome in stable thoracolumbar spine fracture without neurological deficit could not be explained by the assessment made from x-rays and CT imaging alone, which measures mainly the bony injury severity. So far, no good classification system has been developed to assess the severity of soft tissue injury (disc). Objectives: To measure short-term outcome of stable thoracolumbar fracture and analyse aspects of injury severity for their ability to predict outcome. To develop a new disc injury severity grading system in thoracolumbar spine fractures. Study design: Prospective observational. Patient sample: 44 patients with stable fractures between T11 and L5 vertebra with no neurological deficit and treated conservatively were selected. Methods: All had plain x-rays, CT and MRI scans post-injury and at one year post-injury (except CT). Bony injury severity was scored on a seven-point ordinal scale based on (a) communication, (b) apposition and (c) kyphosis. Disc injury severity was scored by the newly developed six-point ordinal scale (none to severe) based on the following variables: (a) Herniation of the disc, (b) Indentation of the end plate, (c) Change in height and (d) Change in signal. Outcome was assessed at one to two years from injury. The following outcome measures were collected: (A) Five domains of pain symptoms – intensity, duration, bothersome, interference and satisfaction. (B) Five domains of function – Physical Component Summary (PSC) measure, Mental Component Summary (MSC) measure, Oswestry disability score, return to pre-injury level of overall activities and return to employment. Non-parametric correlation coefficients were calculated between outcome variables and other variables to look for the predictors of outcome. Stepwise linear regression analysis was performed to compare the predictive values and to look at what proportion of outcome is predicted by different predictors. Results: According to AO classification, the fractures were A1, A2, A3 and B1. The Spearman correlation coefficients between outcome and injury severity were consistently higher with disc injury severity than bony. For the outcome of pain intensity, the correlation coefficients for disc and bone injury severity respectively were:.63 (p < .0001) and.28 (NS-not significant). Similarly for SF36 PSC were: .41 (p < .01) and.25 (NS). The predictive value of pain at F < .01 was 29% for disc injury severity and all other variable were not significant and excluded. At F < .05, the predictive value of disc injury severity (29%) increased further by 9%, 8% and 6% by addition of variable “Patient’s pre-injury SF36 MSC”, “Legal and Compensation issues pending” and “Physical demand of job” respectively. The predictive value of function at F < .01 was 16% for disc injury severity and it increased to 31% by the addition of “physical demand of the job” variable. At F < 0.05 the predictive value further increased by 5% by addition of variable “Legal and Compensation issues pending”. All other variables were not significant. Conclusions: A new grading system of disc injury severity was developed and it showed good predictive value for pain and functional outcome. Disc injury severity has a better predictive value for short term outcome than bony injury severity in stable thoracolumbar fractures. In the spectrum of injuries studies, the AO classification and the degree of kyphosis provided no prediction of outcome

Summary

The M2a-38^tm metal on metal total hip arthroplasty showed a high incidence of pseudotumors and an unexpected high revision rate in our thoroughly screened cross sectional cohort.

Although total hip arthroplasty is highly successful for treatment of osteoarthrosis of hip joint, it is skill demanding surgery to perform and even more challenging in case of revision with bone defects. There are many options available for reconstruction of acetabular bony defects. Here, we evaluate the outcome of acetabular bony defect reconstructed with trabecular metal augments in short term.

We performed, 22 revision total hip arthroplasties and 6 primary total hip arthroplasties (total 28 in 28 patients) using trabecular metal augments to reconstruct acetabular defect between 2011 to 2015. Out of these 28 patients, 18 were males and 10 were females. Mean age of these patients was 61.2 years (range: 46 years to 79 years). Pre-operative templating was done for all cases and need for trabecular metal augments was anticipated in all cases. All cases were classified according to Paprosky classification for acetabular bone defects. Out of 28 patients, 3 had type 2B, 1 had type 2C, 18 had type 3A and 6 had type 3B acetabular defects. Post operatively, all patients were followed at regular interval for their clinical and radiological outcome. An average follow up was 20.1 months (range: 6 months to 42.5 months). We assessed clinical outcome in the form of Herris hip score (HHS) and radiological outcomes in form of osteolysis in acetabular zones and osseointegration, according to the criteria of Moore.

The average Harris hip score (HHS) was improved from 58.0 preoperatively to 87.2 postoperatively. The average degree of cup abduction at the final follow up was 44.29. The centre of rotation of the hip joint was corrected from average 38.90mm (range: 22.15mm to 66.35mm) above the inter-teardrop line preoperatively to average 23.85mm (range: 11.82mm to 37.69mm) above the inter-teardrop line postoperatively. Out of 28 patients, 18 patients had three or more signs of osseointegration, according to the criteria of Moore, at the time of final follow up. Rest of patients, had one or two signs of osseointegration (5 patients had one sign and 5 patients had two signs). We had no patient with migration or loosening of acetabular components. No patient has osteolysis of acetabulum in any zone.

Trabecular metal augments provide good initial stability to acetabular cup as well as helpful to bring down the centre of rotation of the hip joint within limit of 35mm above the inter-teardrop line. They also facilitate osseointegration. Our study showed that the results of the trabecular metal augments in reconstruction of acetabular bony defects were successful even in short term. However, long term study is required for better evaluation.

Despite widespread use, the benefit of knee arthroscopy for symptomatic osteoarthritis (OA) remains controversial. The theoretical benefit of removal of particulate debris and washout of inflammatory cytokines has not been supported by strong evidence. Arguments exist for its short term benefit in well selected patients. We sought to determine if arthroscopy provided any short term symptomatic relief in patients with a clinical diagnosis of OA in our unit.

A total of 20 patients were listed for routine arthroscopy over a one year period for OA. Mean age was 60 (range 48–74) years and 3 in 5 patients were female. 9 patients were listed by registrars, 6 by locum consultants and 5 by substantive consultants. One procedure was cancelled on the day of surgery due to lack of indication, with 19 knees proceeding to surgery. There was evidence of significant arthritis in 17 knees, 6 of which had associated degenerate meniscus tears. Two knees had meniscus tears without significant arthritis. All patients had washout and debridement and in addition, 8 partial menisectomies were carried out together with 3 loose body removals. Patients were followed up after an average of 12 weeks. The 2 patients (both male, mean age 52) with meniscus tears in the absence of significant arthritis fully recovered. Both had symptoms of true locking. 2 patients with loose bodies also fully recovered. With the exception of 2 patients with partial relief, the remainder had no symptomatic relief. One reported a worsening of symptoms and progressed to total knee arthroplasty.

These results suggest that arthroscopic debridement and washout plays a limited role in the short term symptomatic relief of OA. Surgeons should limit its use to younger patients with mild radiographic disease and true mechanical symptoms who are otherwise unsuitable for arthroplasty and not keen on undergoing joint conserving surgery.

Total Ankle Arthroplasty (TAA) using the uncemented three component mobile design has shown encouraging results. There is limited literature on the optimal postoperative management. In our centre, TAA patients are mobilised 48 hours after surgery without a short leg plaster. The aim of this prospective audit was to measure the outcomes of these patients to ascertain if this is a safe and effective protocol.

Patients who underwent primary TAA between March 2006 and March 2008 were invited to participate in the audit. Assessment included patient questionnaires which collected demographics, height and weight, Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) and Short-Form-36 (SF-36). Clinical examination collected American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Score (AOFAS). Data was collected pre-operatively and at 3 and 6 months after surgery.

A total of 48 ankle replacements in 46 patients were included. Primary diagnosis was osteoarthritis (25), post-traumatic osteoarthritis (9), and rheumatoid arthritis (12). Mean age was 63 years (range 33 to 83) and the majority were males (29, 60%). The average body mass index was 28 (SD 5.3). There were significant improvements to 3-months after surgery for AOFAS (mean 29 to 76, p< 0.0001), FAOS (mean scores changes: Pain 36 to 72, Function 41 to 68, Stiffness 38 to 65, p< 0.001) and physical domains of the SF-36 (means score changes: Physical Functioning 25 to 39, Role Physical 27 to 40, Bodily Pain 29 to 48 and Vitality 42 to 50, p< 0.05). All outcome scores were maintained with a non-significant trend for better scores from 3 to 6 months.

These early results demonstrate encouraging outcomes for TAA patients who are mobilised early after surgery without a short leg plaster. Further studies of post-operative management are needed to compare outcomes after TAA between patients undergoing this protocol and patients who are immobilised in plaster.

Aims

Osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLT) are a common cause of disability and chronic ankle pain. Many operative treatment strategies have been introduced; however, they have their own disadvantages. Recently lesion repair using autologous cartilage chip has emerged therefore we investigated the efficacy of particulated autologous cartilage transplantation (PACT) in OLT.

Background

Revision total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) can be extremely challenging due to bone loss and deformity. We present the results examining the preliminary indications and short term outcomes for the use of the Salto XT revision prosthesis.

Study Design: Prospective observational study.

Objectives: To score the severity of injury to (a) vertebrae and (b) intervertebral discs following thoraco-lumbar fracture, and compare the two in their ability to predict clinical outcome at 1–2 years.

Methods: 44 patients with fractures between T11 and L5 without neurological deficit were treated conservatively. All had plain X-rays and MRI scans immediately and at one year post-injury. Bony injury severity was scored on a seven-point ordinal scale based on a) comminution, b) apposition and c) kyphosis. Disc injury severity was scored on a six-point ordinal scale based on a) change in signal, b) change in height, c) indentation /herniation. Outcome was assessed at one to two years from injury (av. 18.1 + 5.6 months) Non-parametric correlation coefficients were calculated between injury severity variables and outcome variables.

Outcome measures: Modified Oswestry disability questionnaires, SF-36 questionnaires (physical and mental component summary scores – PCS and MCS), verbal and numeric rating scale of ability to perform pre-morbid activities/work. Detailed analysis of a.) pain (intensity, duration, character, distribution, etc.), b.) early morning stiffness (severity, frequency, and duration).

Results: According to the AO classification, 25% of the fractures were A1 (wedge), 9% were A2 (split), 45% were A3 (burst) and 20% were B1 (flexion-distraction with posterior ligament injury). Disc injuries scored as: grade 3 (mild) in 14%, grade 4 in 36%, grade 5 in 36% and grade 6 (very severe) in 14%. The spearman correlation coefficients between injury severity and outcome were consistently higher with disc injury severity than bony. For the Oswestry disability score the correlation coefficients for disc and bone injury severity respectively were 0.50 (p< .0001) and 0.40 (p< .05), for SF36-PCS: 0.43 (p< .005) and 0.32 (p< .05), for SF36-MCS: 0.43 (p< .005) and 0.06 (NS), for return to pre-morbid activities and work: 0.32 (p< .05) and 0.25 (p< .5), for pain intensity by numeric rating scale: 0.69 (p< .0001) and 0.41 (p< .01), and for pain intensity by verbal rating scale: 0.65 (p< .0001) and 0.28 (p< 0.1).

Conclusion: In all clinical outcomes assessed, there was consistently better prediction by measures of injury severity to the disc than the bone. This study offers possible explanation for previously low or conflicting evidence of correlation between clinical outcome and bony injury in thoraco-lumbar spine fractures uncomplicated by neurological injury. It implies that in selected patients with severe disc injury, treatment focused on eliminating the effects of the disc injury may result in better clinical outcome.

Introduction

Rivaroxiban is a direct inhibitor of factor Xa, a licensed oral thromboprophylactic agent that is increasingly being adopted for lower limb arthroplasty. Rivaroxiban has been NICE-approved for use in primary hip and knee arthroplasty following the RECORD 4 trials; proving it more effective in preventing venous thrombo-embolic (VTE) events compared to enoxaparin. Enhanced Recovery Programmes (ERP) are designed to enable patients to recover quickly and return home safely within a few days.

Stable thoracolumbar fracture is a common injury. The factors that determine its outcome are unclear. Aspects of injury severity were analysed for their ability to predict outcome by controlling other outcome-affecting factors (patient's pre-injury health status, legal aspects, associated injuries, etc.). No reliable disc injury severity grading system was available and therefore a new system was developed.

A prospective observational study of 44 conservatively treated patients with stable fractures between T11 and L5 was conducted. Bony injury severity was scored based on comminution, apposition and kyphosis parameters. Disc injury severity was scored by the new scale based on variables – Herniation, Indentation, Height decrease and Signal change – seen in MRI. Ten outcome domains (five domains of pain and function each) were assessed at 1 to 2 years from injury. The data was analysed by non-parametric correlation and stepwise-linear regression analysis to assess the predictive value of different variables (patient factors, injury factors and social factor) to outcome.

The correlation coefficients between injury severity and outcome were consistently higher with disc injury severity than bony. Disc injury severity showed highest predictive value for both pain (29%) and functional (16%) outcomes, whereas the bony injury severity parameters (kyphosis, etc.) and the posterior ligament injury severity provided no prediction of outcome. According to AO classification, the fractures were A1, A2, A3 and B1; in this spectrum of injuries, the AO classification had no prediction of outcome. The disc injury score also had a good predictive value for final disc degeneration.

Disc injury severity should be gauged in advising prognosis and treatment. The new disc injury severity grading system showed good construct validity.

Surgical results following proximal row carpectomy modified with proximal capitate resection and dorsal capsule interposition are presented. A consecutive cohort of thirteen patients was operated upon, and outcomes measured by radiograph, physical examination and DASH questionnaire. AROM values of 50° to 105° for the flexion/extension arc, restoration of grip strength to 72% of the contralateral extremity, and an improved functional outcome can be expected; and patients’ perceptions of functional outcome, as measured by the DASH, are significantly improved as early as six weeks. The results of PRC with interposition for stages II and III SLAC wrist were uniformly favorable.

Eaton has described two modifications to the proximal row carpectomy (PRC) procedure: partial capitate resection and dorsal capsular interpositional arthroplasty. The objective is to enlarge the radiocarpal interface to form a broad mobile pseudoarthrosis that would disperse compressive forces across the wrist more effectively. We present the first consecutive cohort of patients (n=13) who have undergone this procedure,

We extend the indications for PRC in this series to include those wrists with stage III SLAC deformity; approximately 67% of wrists had capitolunate arthritis.

AROM values of 50° to 105° for the flexion/extension arc, restoration of grip strength to 72% of the contralateral extremity, and an improved functional outcome can be expected from PRC with dorsal capsular interpositional arthroplasty.

Mean flexion/extension arc achieved was 86° (range, 50° to 105°). Radial deviation averaged 13° (range, 10° to 20°), and ulnar deviation averaged 21° (range, 15° to 25°). Grip strength averaged 72% of the contralateral extremity. The mean decline in the revised carpal height ratio was 24%. The mean DASH score was 20.8 (range, 10 to 29). Visual analog pain improved from 9.25 to 2.67 on average, with one patient reporting no pain with heavy exertion.

Patients were evaluated by active range of motion ; grip and pinch strength; radiographs; subjective analog pain; and DASH questionnaire.

Purpose of the study: Functional recovery afte displaced cephalotuberosity fracture of the proximal humerus in pateints aged over 70 years is a major surgical challenge. Reconstuction with an inversed prosthesis avoids the problems of tuberosity fixation. We report a prospective consecutive series of reversed prostheses used of 3 and 4 fragment displaced and non-displace fractures in patients aged over 70 years.

Material and methods: Between January 2001 and June 2004, 19 patients aged over 70 years were included in this study, 16 women and 3 men, mean age 74.9 years (range 58–94 years, median 76 years). All presented 3- or 4-fragment fractures. An independent operator established the Constant and Dash scores. The position of the implants, loosening, presence of a glenoid notch (Nerot) were noted on plain x-rays.

Results: Sixteen of the 19 patients (13 women, 3 men), mean age 73.9 years (range 58–94 years) were reviewed at mean 12.6 months follow-up (range 6–18 months). There were no cases of dislocation. Hematogenous sepsis occurred at 16 months in one patient and led to implant removal. The raw Constant score was 53 (34–76) and the weighted Constant score 76.1 (41–110.1). The Dash score was 37.4 (34–76). Active abduction reached 91.2° (10–150°), active elevation 97.5° (20–150°), active RE1 6.6° (0–50°), active RE2 9.4° (0–90°) and active internal rotation 31.2° (0–60°). There was a humeral lucent line in five cases and a grade 0 glenoid line in one, grade 1 and 2 in six, and grade 3 in three.

Discussion: The only series of fracture of the proximal humerus in patients aged over 70 years was a retrospective study of prosthesis patients reported by Wretenberg in 1997. To date, there has not been a published series on use of the reversed prosthesis for fracture. For the short term in a population with frail bone and minimal functional requirements, reversed implants provide the best subjective and objective functional results. The absence of postoperative immobilization and independence from the rotator cuff enables rapid recovery of useful motion. Range of motion is reduced only to a small extent for rotation. Thus when possible, we reinsert the tuberosities with the reversed implant. Even if the tuberosity assembly dismounts (agitation in a context of temporospatail disorientation), there is no consequence on the reversed prosthesis. The large number of lucent lines with no clinical impact is a point to be examined carefully, showing that further improvement can be achieved with the existing implants.

Abstract. Background. The gold standard treatment for Anterior Cruciate Ligament injury is reconstruction (ACL-R). Graft failure is the concern and ensuring a durable initial graft with rapid integration is crucial. Graft augmentation with implantable devices (internal brace reinforcement) is a technique purported to reduce the risk of rupture and hasten recovery. We aim to compare the short-term outcome of ACL-R using augmented hamstring tendon autografts (internally braced with neoligament) and non-augmented hamstring autografts. Methods. This was a retrospective cohort study comparing augmented and non-augmented ACL-R. All procedures were performed in a single centre using the same technique. The Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score [KOOS] was used to assess patient-reported outcomes. Results. There were 70 patients in the augmented and 111 patients in the control group. Mean graft diameter in the augmented group was 8.82mm versus 8.44mm in the non-augmented. Six strand graft was achievable in 73.5% of the augmented group compared to 33% in the non-augmented group. Two graft failures were reported in the non-augmented group and none in the augmented group. Patient satisfaction rates were higher in the augmented group. There was a statistically insignificant improvement in the postoperative KOOS in the augmented group compared to the non-augmented group (p 0.6). Irrespective of augmentation status, no correlation was found between the functional score and age, or femoral tunnel width. Conclusion. Augmented ACL-R may achieve superior graft diameters, lower failure rates and better patient reported outcomes when compared to nonaugmented ACL-R. Prospective trials are needed to examine this further

Surgical debridement for medial epicondylitis (ME) is indicated for patients with refractory ME. The clinical efficacy of simple debridement has not been studied sufficiently. Moreover, authors experienced surgical outcome of ME was not as good as lateral epicondylitis. In this regard, authors have combined the atelocollagen injection in the debridement surgery of ME. The purpose of study was to compare clinical outcomes between simple debridement and debridement combined with atelocollagen injection in the ME. Twenty-five patients with refractory ME and underwent surgical debridement were included in the study. Group A (n=13) was treated with isolated debridement surgery, and group B (n=12) was treated with debridement combined with 1.0 mL of type I atelocollagen. Pain and functional improvements were assessed using visual analogue scale, Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) and quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) scale respectively before surgery, at 3, 6 months after surgery and at the final follow-up. Demographic data did not show significant difference between two groups before surgical procedures. Both groups showed improvement in pain and functional score postoperatively. However, at the 3 months after surgery, group B showed significantly better improvement as compared to group A(VAS 3.1 / 2.0, MEPS 71/82 qDASH 29/23). At the 6 months after surgery and final follow-up, both groups did not show any difference. Surgical debridement combined with atelocollagen is effective treatment option in refractory ME and showed better short-term outcomes compared to isolated surgery