Risk Factors for Elbow Joint Contracture After Surgical Repair of Traumatic Elbow Fracture.
This study aimed to identify factors associated with the development of posttraumatic elbow joint contracture.
METHODS: A retrospective review of elbow fractures (AO/Orthopaedic Trauma Association [OTA] type 13 and 21) treated at one institution between 2011 and 2015 was performed. Data collected included demographics, injury information, treatment, and postoperative elbow range of motion (ROM). Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with contracture development. Notable contracture was defined as an arc of motion less than 100° flexion/extension, which has been associated with reduced ability to perform activities of daily living.
RESULTS: A total of 278 patients at least 1 8 years of age underwent surgical repair of an elbow fracture or fracture-dislocation during the study period and had at least 6 months of postoperative follow-up. Forty-two (15.1%) developed a clinically notable elbow contracture, of whom 29 (69.0%) developed heterotopic ossification (HO). Multivariate analysis of preoperative variables demonstrated that AO/OTA 13-C fracture classification (odds ratio [OR], 13.7, P = 0.025), multiple noncontiguous fractures (OR, 3.7, P = 0.010), and ulnohumeral dislocation at the time of injury (OR, 4.9, P = 0.005) were independently associated with contracture development. At 6 weeks postoperatively, an arc of elbow ROM less than 50° flexion/extension (OR, 23.0, P < 0.0005) and the presence of HO on r...
Source: The Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons - Category: Orthopaedics Tags: J Am Acad Orthop Surg Source Type: research