Our surgical results with medial approach in elbow contractures

Objective: Evaluation of pre- and postoperative clinical and radiological results of patients operated with medial surgical approach due to elbow contracture. Material and Method: Between 2010 and 2020, 27 elbows of 26 patients were included in our study. The mean age of the patients at the time of surgery was 50.8 (2-66). The mean follow-up time of the patients was 61.1 months (18-120). Standard anteroposterior radiographs of our patients were taken preoperatively, and preoperative Mayo elbow scores, flexion-extension and supination-pronation apertures were compared with the postoperative period. The presence of ulnar nerve complaints was evaluated before and after surgery. Examination and x-ray data of the patients at the last controls were obtained and evaluated. Results: When the patients were examined according to their etiology, 14 patients were posttraumatic, 7 patients were idiopathic, 1 patient was synovitis (synovial chondromatosis), 1 patient (bilateral) was congenital, 1 patient was immobilization, 1 patient was secondary osteoarthritis (RA and amateur athlete). In the postoperative period, the gain in the flexion arc of our patients was 36.3 (p<0.05), and the gain in the extension arc was 20.6 (p<0.05). Gain in joint range of motion was 56.7 (p<0.05) degrees. The change in the MEPS values of the patients was 29.2 (p<0.05). The changes in the parameters examined were statistically significant. Conclusion: In our clinical results, it was possible to obtain satisfactory results in elbow stiffness patients regardless of etiological factors, with the right indication, right patient selection and good preoperative planning with the medial surgical approach.