The role of preoperative factors, surgical approach, and mobilization protocol for improved surgical outcomes after open elbow arthrolysis in post-traumatic elbow stiffness: an ambispective cohort study

Structured preoperative rehabilitation protocol downgrades the severity of elbow stiffness. The open elbow arthrolysis significantly improves arc of motion and Mayo Elbow Performance Score. The medial approach demonstrates an improved arc of motion compared to combined and posterior approaches. The severity of preoperative stiffness and interval from trauma to surgery has a significant correlation to improvement in the arc of motion and Mayo Elbow Performance Score.