• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.14-18
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• 2005

Purpose: Limitation of motion of the elbow joint due to stiffness affect on life quality of the patients. So contracture of the elbow should be treated as soon as possible. Among the many treatment modalities, we described the result of arthroscopic treatment. Materials and Methods: From Mar. 2000 to Mar. 2003, 40 patients, who received the arthroscopic treatment by author for contracted elbow, were the subjects. We estimated the range of motion (ROM) of elbow joint before and after surgery by goniometer. The clinical result was evaluated by Severance elbow scoring system. The final ROM was evaluated at the point of no further increasement of joint motion. Male ware 30 cases, female ware 7 cases, average 42.6 years old and mean follow up period were 31 months. During arthroscopic treatment we had done release of the joint capsule or resection, synovectomy, removal of loose bodies. We used traditional portals. Results: The avarage preoperative ROM of elbow joint was 72.5 degree(range, 5 - 132 degree) and the increasement of ROM was totally 49.3 degree in flexion 26.5 degree and extension 22.8 degree. There was no other complication. Conclusion: Arthroscopic treatment for contracted elbow permit early joint ROM and it decrease the secondary injury to the elbow joint. Also there are few complications. It is thought to be a good treatment modality in contracted elbow joint.