The elbow joint is one of the flexible and complex joints of the human body. It has the function of extension and flexion, and its damage will seriously affect the function of hand and forearm, and greatly reduce the quality of life. There are auxiliary ligaments around the elbow joint, and the joint is tightly matched. The elbow joint injury will induce inflammatory reactions (e.g. osteoarthritis) , resulting in the adhesion joint capsule and surrounding tissue and thus increasing the incidence of stiffness and rigidity. Previous studies have shown that the incidence of post-traumatic elbow stiffness is about 16% to 40%, and its incidence increases with the severity of fractures. Due to the narrow space and complicated structures of the elbow joint cavity, there are many nerves and vessels around, which make the difficulty and risk of surgery increase. Conventional elbow joint open release and debridement surgery are more traumatic and difficult for rehabilitation training, and the postoperative effects are uneven. Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of elbow arthroscopy in the treatment of elbow osteoarthritis with joint stiffness.

From May 2015 to June 2018, a retrospective analysis of 17 patients with elbow joint osteoarthritis and stiffness in our hospital was performed. All patients received synovial osteophyte cleaning, capsule release, free body removal and joint structure arthroplasty, and the professional rehabilitation was performed after operation. The VAS score, range of motion, Mayo score and HSS score were observed and compared in the perioperative period for the assessment of clinical efficacy.

There were no postoperative complications such as neurovascular injury, elbow collateral ligament injury, poor postoperative incision healing, infection and heterotopic ossifications. All patients were followed up for 12 months after operation. The preoperative VAS score was (6.17±1.07) points and the postoperative VAS score was (2.94±0.65) points. The preoperative Mayo score was (44.41±3.42) points and the postoperative Mayo score was (93.23±1.71) points. The preoperative HSS score was (45.29±6.69) points and the postoperative HSS score was (88.41±2.59) points. There were significant differences in these scores. The postoperative range of flexion and extension as well as rotation was significantly improved.

Arthroscopic technique for treatment of elbow osteoarthritis with elbow joint stiffness can significantly improve elbow joint function with the advantages of minimal trauma, quick recovery and reliable efficacy.