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Arthroscopic Treatment for Limitation of Motion of the Elbow

This study describes the long-term clinical results and serial changes of postoperative range of motion after arthroscopic treatment for limitation of motion of the elbow. Sixty-three patients with limitation of motion of the elbow were treated with arthroscopic procedures. The total range of motion was 79° before surgery. The range of motion showed a progressive increase until 1 year after surgery (mean, 121°). However, after 1 year, the range of motion showed little additional increase. The range of motion acquired during surgery (mean, 122°) usually was the same range that patients achieved during the rehabilitation period (mean, 122° at an average 42.5 months of followup). Extension improved an average of 21°, and flexion increased an average of 23°. The range of motion showed more improvement in patients whose duration of symptoms was less than 1 year (49°) than in those whose duration of symptoms was longer than 1 year (30°). Patients with posttraumatic stiffness had more marked limitation of extension and decreased total range of motion (73°) than did those with degenerative stiffness (86°) before surgery. However, no significant difference existed in the postoperative total range of motion (posttraumatic stiffness, 123°; and degenerative stiffness, 121°). Based on the authors' experience, 92% of patients obtained significant improvement in range of motion after arthroscopic procedures. The minimally invasive nature of elbow arthroscopy is a reproducible and effective procedure for limitation of motion of the elbow with minimal morbidity.