Open Surgical Release of Posttraumatic Elbow Contracture in Children and Adolescents.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Posttraumatic elbow contractures in children and adolescents are challenging to manage, and studies investigating surgical treatment are limited by the rarity of this condition. Small case series have shown variable gains in immediate and long-term elbow arc of motion after open surgical release. We reviewed our experience with open surgical release of posttraumatic elbow contracture in patients <21 years old at 2 institutions.

Methods

A retrospective chart review identified patients who underwent posttraumatic open elbow contracture release by 2 surgeons at 2 institutions between 2006 and 2013. Nontraumatic contractures and arthroscopic releases were excluded. Twenty-six patients were included in this study. Mean age at the time of injury was 12 years (5 to 19 y)

SUBMITTER: Piper SL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6292736 | biostudies-literature | 2019 May/Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature