Abstract
BACKGROUND: The complete removal of the blocked bone is the key to achieving reliable curative effects in arthroscopic arthroplasty for the treatment of degenerative elbow stiffness. However, there is currently a lack of a comprehensive assessment of the blocked bone before surgery, and simulation software and 3D-printed models seem to provide an excellent solution. Through a minimum three-year follow-up, the value of preoperative blocked bone visualization marking on arthroscopic arthroplasty for degenerative elbow stiffness will be evaluated. METHODS: This retrospective analysis was conducted at our hospital, and data from 23 patients with degenerative elbow stiffness who underwent arthroscopic arthroplasty between March 2020 and March 2022 were initially collected. 12 patients who used simulation software and a 3D-printed model marked with elbow blocked bone were divided into a trial group. And 11 patients who were without that were the control group. The elbow range of motion (ROM) and Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS) were compared before surgery and at the last follow-up, and the therapeutic effect was evaluated. RESULTS: All the patients' surgeries were successfully performed. The follow-up period was a minimum of three years. Preoperatively, there were no significant differences in age, sex, affected side, MEPS, extension ROM, and flexion ROM between the two groups (P > 0.05). At the last follow-up, there was no significant difference in MEPS (P > 0.05). The trial group had better extension ROM, flexion ROM, and the total extension and flexion ROM (TROM) gains than the control group (P < 0.05). Except for one case of transient ulnar nerve injury in the control group, the remaining patients had no complications, such as infection or joint effusion. CONCLUSION: The application of preoperative blocked bone visualization marking helped make arthroscopic arthroplasty for degenerative elbow stiffness more accurate, gain better ROM, and its value is worthy of affirmation.