Operative treatment of fixed flexion deformity of elbow by anterior release: A case report

Abstract

A 20-year-old male presented to our outpatient department with stiffness in his right elbow. He gave a history of sustaining a fracture around the same elbow when he was 4 years old. He was treated operatively for the same. In the postoperative period, he did not undergo any physiotherapy. On ex-amination, he had a fixed flexion deformity in his right elbow with a range of motion between 90 and 110 degrees. The X-ray did not show any bony abnormalities and magnetic resonance imaging re-vealed susceptibility artifacts in the posterior aspect. The elbow was approached anteriorly releasing all the soft tissue contractures. The elbow was immobilized in extension in a plaster cast for 4 weeks. The patient was under regular physiotherapy after plaster removal in the post-operative period. At one year follow up, he has an elbow range of motion between 20 and 120 degrees.