The effect of release and debridement with arthroscopy in the treatment of elbow malfunction / 中华骨科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To explore the effect of elbow release and debridment with arthroscopy for elbow malfunction. Methods The study was carried out on 15 patients (male 11, female 4; age 21-63 years old, average 40.1 years old) with the use of arthroscopy to brisement accretion and articular capsule from August 2001 to December 2003. The mean course was 55.2 months (range, 8-24 months). The flexion angle of joint preopration was 15?-60?, average 30.4?, the extension angle was -80?--20?, average -51.2?. The diagnosis was osteophyma and liberum in 4. The old fracture of radius capitulum was in 2; the old fracture of ulnar olecranon in 2; the old fracture of condyle of humerus in 3; degeneration in 4. The brachial plexus anesthesia,the elbow hung to traction, interna and extra-pathway, to cut synovium and accretion fibers with shver, removal liberum and milling osteophyma, meanwhile brisement articular capsule. Pathology manifestation in arthroscopy there were a lot hyperemia synovium and fiber accretion. There was cartilage exfoliation in 8, hyperplasy and liberum in 5, ossification of cicatricle in 2. The motion range of elbow was reexamined, if the extension function was restricted, release was performed on anterior soft tissue and capsule. If the flexion function was restricted, release was carried out on posterior capsule via posterior straight approach(3 cm supra point of olecranon). Results All patients recovered daily life and occupation postoperative 7 to 14 days. Transient ulnar nerve paralysis occurred postoperatively in one case, which recovered three months later. There were no blood vessel and nerve injury. The mean follow-up period was 14.1 months (range, 7-20 months). At the final follow-up, the flexion of joint post operation was 70?-120?, to improve average 60.5?; the extension of joint post operation was -20?--5?, to improve average 37.6?. In accordance with HSS scoring system, excellent 7, good 5, fail 3. Conclusion Using of arthroscopy to release elbow joint have many advantages such as less trauma, quick recovery and less sequela. The application in release with arthroscopy is a good way for elbow malfunction.