Progression patterns of range of motion progression after open release for post-traumatic elbow stiffness

Post-traumatic stiffness of the elbow may be treated surgically with open osteocapsular release. This study investigated postoperative range of motion (ROM) improvements after this procedure. We hypothesized that there would be predictable recovery patterns and significant progress up to 6 months after surgery.A retrospective chart review of patients who underwent open elbow release for post-traumatic stiffness (PTS) was performed. Demographic information and surgical approach were recorded. Patients with ipsilateral primary elbow osteoarthritis were excluded. Range of motion (ROM) data were collected at preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative intervals of 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months. Growth mixture modeling (GMM) and latent class growth analysis (LCGA) were performed to identify motion recovery trajectory groups, and Student's t-tests were performed to compare ROM data between intervals.One hundred and eighty-seven patients who underwent open elbow release for PTS were included (112 with a medial approach, 50 lateral, and 25 both). The mean preoperative arc was 84° ± 31, and the arc of motion at final follow-up was 119° ± 19 (ROM recovery after surgical release for post-traumatic elbow stiffness did not depend on the preoperative, intraoperative, or 2-week postoperative arcs of motion. Most ROM recovery occurs early after surgery, and maximal arc of motion can be expected by approximately 16 weeks postoperatively. This knowledge may inform patients about their expected rehabilitation and splinting time and reduce the total costs of therapy.