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

A 20-year-old male presented to our outpatient department 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 postoperative 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. The X-ray did not show any bony abnormalities and magnetic resonance imaging revealed susceptibility artifacts in the posterior aspect. The elbow was approached anteriorly releasing all the soft tissue contractures. The elbow was immobilized 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.