Purpose: Elbow contracture is a common and difficult problem to manage. The purpose of this
study was to determine the functional outcomes of arthroscopic capsular release in
the management of elbow contractures. Methods: A total of 22 patients (14 males, 8 females; mean age, 42 years) undergoing arthroscopic
contracture release were retrospectively reviewed at a minimum follow-up of 1 year
(mean, 25 months). In all, 20 patients had a capsulectomy, and 2 underwent capsulotomy.
Patient-rated questionnaires (Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire
[DASH], American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Elbow Form [ASES-e], and Short Form-36
[SF-36]) and clinical, radiographic, and objective evaluations were used to assess
outcomes. Motion and strength were measured by independent evaluators through standard
goniometry and the LIDO Isokinetic System (Loredan Biomedical, West Sacramento, CA).
Results: Mean flexion significantly improved from 122° ± 15° to 141° ± 12° (P < .001). Mean extension significantly improved from 38° ± 18° to 19° ± 13° (P < .001). Mean arc improvement was 38° ± 23° (P < .001). None of the patients had instability, and no major neurovascular complications
were reported. All patients had improved elbow function with a mean ASES-e score of
31 out of 36. Most patients were satisfied with their surgery, experienced minimal
pain, and exhibited minimal impairment on the DASH. Conclusions: Arthroscopic debridement and capsulectomy of the contracted elbow is effective. Results
are comparable with those of other reports in the literature in which both arthroscopic
and open methods were used. Level of Evidence: Level IV.
Key Words
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Footnotes
The authors report no conflict of interest.
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© 2006 Arthroscopy Association of North America. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
