The percentage of patients who reported pain decreased significantly over time ( p = 0.0419) in the hyaluronan-treated group (suggesting limited contractions and better comfort during rehabilitation), but not in the control group. There was also no interaction between time and treatment. The mean increase over time was statistically significant ( p < 0.001) in both groups and there was no difference between the groups. The range of motion and the overall LES score increased over time in both groups. Functional outcome was measured by the range of motion and the Liverpool elbow score (LES), whereas pain and quality of life were evaluated using the visual analogue scale and the SF-36 questionnaire, respectively. The patients underwent prospective control visits 30 and 75 days after surgery. Materials and methodsĪ cohort of 36 consecutive patients undergoing elbow arthroscopic arthrolysis were enrolled: 17 patients in the hyaluronan gel group and 19 in the control group.
The aim of our cohort study was to assess clinical outcomes following treatment of posttraumatic elbow stiffness using arthroscopic arthrolysis with or without the associated use of a hyaluronan anti-adhesion gel. It has been shown that arthroscopic treatment leads to excellent restoration of elbow motion, although it is still a demanding procedure. Loss of motion of the elbow joint is a common finding after elbow trauma.
