Operative Treatment of Fixed Flexion Deformity of Elbow by Anterior Release: A Case Report

Abstract

A 20-year-old male presented to our OPD 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 post-operative period, he did not undergo any physiotherapy. On examination, he had a fixed flexion deformity in his right elbow with a range of motion between 90 and 110 degrees. X-ray did not show any bony abnormalities and MRI revealed susceptibility artifacts in posterior aspect. The elbow was approached anteriorly releasing all the soft tissue contractures. The elbow was immobilised 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.

Keywords

• anterior release; elbow; fixed flexion deformity.