Clinical effects of elbow joint arthrolysis and external fixator in the treatment of elbow stiffness after the humeral fracture
GAO Peng
LI Han-peng
JIANG Pan
Abstract：Objective To explore clinical effects of elbow joint arthrolysis combined with external fixation in the treatment of elbow stiffness after the humeral fracture. Methods From January 2014 to January 2015, 76 cases were analyzed. All patients were divided into 2 groups randomly: the control group ( n = 38 ), the observation group ( n = 38 ). The control group was treated with elbow joint arthrolysis, while the observation group elbow joint arthrolysis + external fixator. A follow-up of 18 months was conducted to observe fixation effects and complications. Elbow joint function score ( Mayo ), range of motion ( ROM ) and quality of life scale ( GQOL 74 ) were evaluated. Results Operations in 2 groups were successful. Elbow joints were released completely, and the complication rate was low. No drop out or fall off cases in the follow-up. The elbow ROM, Mayo scores, quality of life scale ( GQOL 74 ) in the observation group were significantly improved than the control group with statistical significance ( P < 0.05 ). Conclusions Elbow arthrolysis + external fixation is significantly effective in the treatment of elbow stiffness with better ROM and functions than the simple arthrolysis. It can improve the quality of life with good clinical applications.
Keywords：Humeral fracturesElbow jointOpen releaseExternal fixatorsTreatment outcome
Publication Date：2017-01-01
Online Publishing Date：2025-08-15(First online date of this platform, not the publication date of the document)
Pages：4( 806-809 )