Hinged External Fixation Combined with Open Debridement for Post-traumatic Elbow Stiffness: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

研究概要

Eight randomized controlled trials including 555 patients with post-traumatic elbow stiffness were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis comparing hinged external fixation combined with open debridement versus open debridement alone. Pooled outcomes of interest included elbow flexion and extension mobility, Mayo elbow function scores, Mayo excellent rate, and complication rate. The pooled results indicated a significant improvement in elbow mobility, function scores, and a reduced complication rate with the combined treatment. These findings suggest that hinged external fixation in conjunction with open debridement is more effective in treating post-traumatic elbow stiffness than open debridement alone.