The incidence of elbow osteoarthritis in the adult is nearly 2%, and it can cause elbow joint adhesion, which is manifested by pain in elbow joints, accompanied by various degrees of flexion, extension, and rotation disorders. Elbow joint arthrolysis has attracted much attention in recent years, and the effect of the operation is affirmative. Due to the narrow joint cavity of the elbow joint, extensive joint capsule release and synovial clearance are needed in this operation. There is often more joint exudation after operation, even the incision is delayed to heal. Radiofrequency ablation has been widely used in arthroscopic surgery for joint capsule release, synovial cleaning, hemostasis, etc. However, radiofrequency ablation can cut through the local instantaneous high temperature of the knife head, which will increase the temperature of surrounding tissues and liquid, and even cause extensive thermal damage. Elbow joint space is narrow, which may lead to thermal injury more easily. In addition, radiofrequency ablation or planer knife is needed for extensive synovial clearance, joint capsule release and resection, and ligament insertion release. Therefore, the influence of radiofrequency ablation and planer on the amount of joint exudation after arthrolysis of elbow joint needs to be confirmed.

To compare the effect of radiofrequency ablation or planer blade on the postoperative joint drainage in arthroscopic elbow arthrolysis.

A total of 24 patients with osteoarthritic elbow adhesions were randomly divided into 2 groups with 12 patients in each group. In the experimental group, radiofrequency ablation was used for synovial resection and joint release. In the control group, synovial resection and joint release were performed with a plane knife. The postoperative joint drainage, joint flexion and extension range and joint function score were compared.

The postoperative drainage volume was (32.9±12.3) ml in the control group, which was significantly lower than that in the experimental group, which was (110.0± 31.4) ml (P=0.00) . The postoperative drainage tube indwining time in the experimental group was (3.1±1.3) days, which was significantly higher than that in the control group, which was (1.3±0.5) days (P=0.00) . However, there was no statistical difference in the functional score and recovery of joint range of motion between the two groups.

The excessive use of radiofrequency ablation can increase the postoperative drainage, and the use of planer blade for synovectomy and capsular release is better than radiofrequency ablation.