Clinical and functional outcome of arthroscopic management of intra articular elbow disorders

Abstract

The elbow is a highly constrained synovial hinge joint that frequently becomes stiff after injury. Elbow stiffness is defined as flexion <120° and loss of extension >30°. Trauma is a common cause of stiffness in the elbow joint with rates ranging from 3% to 20. Elbow motion is required so that the hand can be properly positioned for activities of daily living. For this reason, joint contractures at the elbow can be poorly tolerated. Elbow arthroscopy is a valuable tool for both diagnostic and therapeutic purpose. Minimal invasiveness and effective rehabilitation after the surgery helps the patient achieve an early recovery and facilitates return to normal activities of daily living. This study was conducted to determine the clinical and functional outcome of arthroscopic management of Intra articular elbow disorders among 30 patients by Arthroscopic fibrolysis. From our study we can conclude that, elbow arthroscopy is an excellent surgical treatment for intra articular elbow disorder in selected patients resistant to conservative management.