[Arthroscopic treatment of symptomatic loose bodies in osteoarthritic elbows].

OBJECTIVES

We evaluated functional and clinical results of patients who underwent arthroscopic surgery for symptomatic loose bodies in osteoarthritic elbow joint.

METHODS

Arthroscopic surgery was performed in 10 patients (6 males, 4 females; mean age 47 years; range 30 to 59 years) for symptomatic loose bodies in osteoarthritic elbow joint. Eight patients had a history of trauma. Involvement was on the right in seven patients, and on the left in three patients. Preoperatively, six patients had limited joint movements and locking, and five patients had pain. The presence and the number of loose bodies were investigated by standard radiographs and computed tomography preoperatively, and by radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging postoperatively. The range of motion was measured with a goniometer. Functional assessment was made with the use of the Broberg and Morrey's scoring system, and pain was assessed with a visual analog scale. The mean follow-up was 31 months (range 7-59 months).

RESULTS

The mean range of motion of the elbows increased from 100 degrees (range 55 degrees to 160 degrees) preoperatively to 115 degrees (range 70 degrees to 160 degrees) at the end of the follow-up (p=0.05). None of the patients developed valgus or varus instability. The mean preoperative and postoperative Broberg and Morrey's scores were 59 (range 45 to 80) and 86 (range 59 to 100), respectively (p<0.01). The results were excellent in five patients, good in three patients, and poor in two patients. The mean visual analog score decreased from 7 (range 5 to 10) preoperatively to 1 (range 0-4) postoperatively (p<0.01). Eight patients were satisfied with surgery and returned to normal activities after a mean of 16 days (range 1 to 60 days).

CONCLUSION

Arthroscopic surgery is effective in reducing pain in selected patients with symptomatic loose bodies in osteoarthritic elbows, with the advantages of low morbidity and rapid functional recovery.