Background and purpose: Posttraumatic stiffness is a common complication of elbow injury and can result in considerable impairment in daily life. We assessed the outcome in 21 patients treated by a column procedure.
Patients and methods: We followed 21 patients (average age 40 (10-76) years, 11 women) for 2 years after surgery for a stiff elbow. Range of motion (ROM) and function (EFA score) were measured preoperatively and at 3,12, and 24 months postoperatively.
Results: Before surgery, the mean ROM was 69 degrees (SD 24) and the mean EFA score was 74 (SD 13), which improved significantly to 104 degrees (17) and 91 (6), respectively, after release. There were no significant differences between the postoperative measurements at 3,12, and 24 months. No neurovascular complications were noted; 2 patients developed periarticular ossifications postoperatively.
Interpretation: A column procedure results in an increase in motion and functional scores at 2-year follow-up. Outcome at 3 months after treatment is the same as after 2 years.