Excision - interposition arthroplasty of the elbow joint, using fascialata long-term follow-up

Fourteen patients with ankylosed elbows had excision arthroplasty of their affected elbows. In ten, the lesion was post-traumatic and in four was postinfection [septic]. In all, the ankylosis was not in the optimum position of function. A sheet of fascialata was used as interposition membrane after excision of anchoring fibrous and osseous tissues. Follow up ranged from 13-20 years; on average 17.4 years. The results were gratifying and all the patients were satisfied. Improvement in all parameters increased as time went on. The good motivation of the patients was important in improving the results