Clinical results of a 10-year follow-up of surgical treatment for elbow stiffness in rheumatoid arthritis: A case series.

BACKGROUND

Rheumatoid arthritis commonly causes transient limitation of joint motion, but the treatment of persistent stiffness in the rheumatoid elbow has rarely been reported. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term clinical results of surgical treatment of rheumatoid elbow stiffness.

METHODS

Surgical treatment, including open arthrolysis with hinged external fixation, total synovectomy, and ulnar nerve release and anteriorization, was performed in 48 elbows in 43 patients with rheumatoid arthritis and early joint destruction. Mobility (flexion-extension and pronation-supination), Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), visual analog scale (VAS) score, muscle strength, nerve symptoms, postoperative complications, and recurrent synovitis were evaluated 9-11 years (average, 9.88 years) postoperatively.

RESULTS

The mobility of the elbow was significantly improved over the preoperative period either in extension, flexion, protonation, supination (P < .001, P < .001, P < .001, P = .002). The mean MEPS was significantly improved from 56.25 points (range, 30-90) to 87.40 points (range, 40-100) (P < .001). The pain was relieved, and the mean VAS score was reduced from 3.56 (range, 0-8) to 1.08 (range, 0-5) points (P < .001). Preoperative ulnar nerve symptoms were observed in 17 patients and relieved in 10 (59%) patients, and the mean Amadio score was raised from 6.9 (range, 3-9) to 7.96 (range, 4-9) points (P < .001). Through surgical treatment and postoperative rehabilitation, the mean grip strength of the patients was significantly improved from an average of 9.01 (range, 3.4-18.5) to 17.56 kg (range, 3.9-40.2) (P < .001). Five elbows developed recurrent synovitis, and one underwent total elbow arthroplasty. Postoperative complications were uncommon and not severe.

CONCLUSION

Surgical treatment is a reliable procedure for rheumatoid elbow stiffness and can be effective in improving elbow mobility, function, muscle strength, pain relief, and relief of nerve symptoms.