• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.159-166
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• 2009

Purpose: We wanted to evaluate the surgical results of early mobilization after rigid fixation of small coronoid fracture using the tension band technique Materials and Methods: Eight cases of coronoid fracture were fixed with the tension band technique and using K-wire and wire through the medial approach. All the cases were Regan-Morrey type 2. According to O'Driscoll, they were classified as 5 cases of the tip type (subtype 2) and 3 cases of the anteromedial type (1 case of subtype 2, and 2 case of subtype 3). The associated collateral ligament injuries (6 cases) and radial head/neck fractures (4 cases) were managed simultaneously. After immobilization for 5~7 days, active ROM exercise with a fitted hinge brace started and continued till postoperative 6 weeks. The patients were assessed for pain, ROM and functional disability using the Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS) at an average of 11 months (range: 6~28 months). The ulnar nerve symptoms were also investigated. Results: We observed solid union in all the coronoid fractures without hardware failure. An average of 2.2 wires (range: 2~4) were used. The mean extension was $3^{\circ}$(range: $0^{\circ}\sim25^{\circ}$), the mean flexion was $137^{\circ}$(range: $130^{\circ}\sim140^{\circ}$), the mean pronation was $69^{\circ}$(range: $45^{\circ}\sim90^{\circ}$) and the mean supination was $78^{\circ}$(range: $45^{\circ}\sim90^{\circ}$). The mean MEPS was 96 (range: 65~100). Ulnar nerve symptoms occurred at postoperative one day and persisted in one patient with the terrible triad of taking radial head excision and residual medial instability. Conclusion: The tension band technique uses easily obtained, economic K-wires and the wire was strong enough to permit early elbow ROM exercise and the technique might improve the elbow function. It was especially useful for fixation of multiple small fragments.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.299-303
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• 2010

Purpose: Management of the stiff elbow by arthroscopic procedure is an effective but technically demanding. Our purpose was to review the specific arthroscopic maneuver which can be useful for the stiff elbow. Materials and Methods: A stiff elbow that is refractory to conservative treatment can be treated surgically to remove soft tissue or bony blocks to motion. The olecranon or coronoid osteophyte and loose bodies have been removed arthroscopically with good results and rare complications. Results and Conclusion: For the successful arthroscopic management of elbow stiffness, it need to knowledge and skills for debride contracted tissue and preserve vital anatomic structure.

• Journal of the Korean Arthroscopy Society
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.116-119
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• 2001

Purpose : To describe long-term clinical results and serial changes in the postoperative range of motion(ROM) after arthroscopic treatment for a limitation of motion(LOM) of the elbow. Materials and Methods : The subjects who visited chosun university hospital from December, 1996 to January 2000 were twenty-one patients ranging from 37 to 54 years of age, and the average age was 43.2 years. The chief complaints were painful limitation of motion of the elbow and average ROM showed that flexion contracture were 17 degrees and further flexion were 87 degrees. Results : The total ROM was $70^{\circ}$ preoperatively. 2 months after postoperatively the mean flexion contracute improved from $17^{\circ}\;to\;3^{\circ}$ with further flexion from $87^{\circ}\;to\;122^{\circ}$ degrees. One year after postoperatively the mean flexion contracture were $5^{\circ}$ and further flexion were $113^{\circ}$. All patients reported a decresement in pain level as well as improvement in motion. There was no complication in this series. Conclusion : Arthroscopic surgery appear to be satisfactory management modality for degenerative elbow contractures.