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A retrospective study was performed to analyze the results of elbow synovectomy, radial
head excision, and anterior capsular release in 12 elbows in 11 patients with radiographic
stage III inflammatory arthritis. The follow-up period averaged 6.1 years. Average
flexion arc improved from 93° (range, 80°–110°) to 116° (range, 65°–140°), with flexion
contracture improving 13°. Total arc of forearm rotation increased from 95° to 145°.
Ewald scores improved from an average of 37 to 84 points. Pain was eliminated or improved
in all cases; functional improvement was noted in all patients. Serial postoperative
radiographs showed no significant disease progression over time. These results suggest
that combined synovectomy, radial head excision, and anterior capsular release effectively
relieves pain and improves function in stage III inflammatory arthritis of the elbow.
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
August 23,
1996
Received:
March 6,
1995
Footnotes
*No benefits in any form have been received or will be received from a commercial party related directly or indirectly to the subject of this article.
Identification
Copyright
© 1997 The American Society for Surgery of the Hand. All rights reserved. Published by Elsevier Inc.