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Indications for operation: Stiffness of the elbow |
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Anaesthetic: |
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General Anaesthetic with an axillary block. (Fully asleep with a local
anaesthetic injection into the armpit will numb the nerves to the elbow for post-operative
pain relief) |
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Operation type: |
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Arthroscopic or open depending on the cause of the stiffness. If
the cause is post-traumatic it is sometimes not possible to introduce he arthroscope
into the joint and an open procedure has to be undertaken. |
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Incisions: |
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4 ½ cm incisions will be made in the elbow. One at each side and 2 at
the back |
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Procedure: |
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The front of the elbow joint will be inspected first and scar tissue
within the joint debrided. The capsule (lining around the jopint) will be released
to allow more movement. Any boney abnormalities will then be treated. This process
will then be repeated at the back of the joint. If the procedure is performed open
it is not possible to undertake such a thorough inspection but the steps are basically
he same. |
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Wound Closure: |
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Small butterfly paper stitches will be used to close the wounds. |
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Dressings: |
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Elastoplast dressings will be placed over the top of the paper stitches
and an adhesive bandage over the top of this. |
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Immediate aftercare: |
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A sling will be placed on the arm and it may feel numb for
the rest of the day. You can go home when you feel comfortable and will be given
instructions on what to do next. If the elbow is very stiff then it may be necessary
to place the arm in a plaster cast for the first week to help stretch the muscles
out. |
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