A combined anterior and posterior approach for elbow ankylosis

Purpose: An ankylosed elbow should be released with consideration of the nature of the stiffness and location of the pathologic structures, and care should be taken to avoid damage to the surrounding musculature and neurovascular structures. We report the clinical results of a combined anterior and posterior approach, which allowed safe access with good visibility, for severe elbow stiffness.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent surgical release for elbow ankylosis from August 2014 to May 2020. All operations were performed by the same surgeon at a single institution. The final outcomes were assessed by measuring the range of motion, calculating the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), and reading radiologic images. Results: Eight patients with a mean age of 43 years (range, 21–65 years) were included in the study, and the mean follow-up period was 22 months. The average range of motion was 13° of flexion contracture (range, 0°–40°) and 123° of further flexion (range, 100°–140°) at the last follow-up. The average net improvement in the total arc compared to patients’ preoperative status was 68° (range, –10°–130°). The mean postoperative MEPS was 89 points (range, 70–100 points). The development of heterotopic ossification and recalcitrant rheumatoid arthritis caused relatively poor outcomes.Conclusion: The combined anterior and posterior approach allows safe access with good visibility for elbow ankylosis, while minimizing the risk of neurovascular injury and preserving the medial and lateral muscles.