Manipulation under anesthesia for the postsurgical stiff elbow: a case series and review of literature.

Introduction: Elbow joint stiffness is a common complication following elbow trauma or surgery. Current practices include first-line treatment with physiotherapy and various types of splints. In cases where early postoperative loss of elbow motion interferes with activities of daily living, manipulation under anesthesia (MUA) is considered a viable treatment option, but there is currently only limited data on the results of this procedure and its complications.
Materials and Methods: This retrospective study was comprised of 12 consecutive patients who underwent MUA for the treatment of postsurgical elbow stiffness in one institution between 2010 and 2017. Their pre- and post-manipulation range of motion and their functional scores were assessed.
Results: MUA was performed at a mean of 52 days (range 39-91 days) following the last surgical intervention, and the patients were followed for a mean of 3 years (range 0.75-7 years). The average flexion-extension arc of motion improved by 53.8°, and the average rotation arc improved by 57°. The average Mayo Elbow Performance Score was 73 (range 0-100) at the latest follow-up. Two patients eventually underwent an open elbow contracture release due to poor post-manipulation results. There were no post-MUA complications.
Conclusions: MUA of a postoperative stiff elbow can improve both flexion-extension and rotatory arc of motion in cases of early evolving postoperative stiffness and should be part of the armamentarium for the treatment of this often debilitating condition.