Mechanical Distraction for the Treatment of Posttraumatic Stiffness of the Elbow in Children and Adolescents

Background Elbow contracture is a recognized sequela of elbow injuries in children and adolescents, but previous studies of operative treatment with formal capsular release have demonstrated unpredictable outcomes and unfavorable results. Methods Over a period of five years, fourteen children and adolescents with a mean age of fourteen years who had posttraumatic stiffness of the elbow were managed according to a prospective protocol. Eleven patients had undergone a mean of three previous operative procedures before the index operation. After intraoperative distraction with an external fixator, there was a relaxation phase for six days followed by mobilization of the elbow joint under distraction in the fixator for a mean of seven weeks. Intraoperative range of motion under distraction reached a mean of 100 degrees . Open arthrolysis was not performed, but in four children impinging heterotopic bone was removed through a limited approach. Decompression of the ulnar nerve was performed in seven patients. Results The mean preoperative arc of total elbow motion was 37 degrees . The mean pronation was 46 degrees , and the mean supination was 56 degrees . After a mean duration of follow-up of thirty-four months, all patients but two had achieved an arc of motion of 100 degrees . The mean arc of flexion-extension was 108 degrees (range, 75 degrees to 130 degrees ). The mean range of pronation was 73 degrees (range, 20 degrees to 90 degrees ), and the mean range of supination was 75 degrees (range, 10 degrees to 90 degrees ). There were no pin-track infections or deep infections, and all elbows were stable. At the time of follow-up, three patients had radiographic evidence of humeroulnar degeneration. Conclusions Closed distraction of the elbow joint with use of a monolateral external fixation frame with motion capacity yields more favorable results than other previously reported options for the treatment of posttraumatic elbow contractures in children and adolescents.