The follow-up of 42 @entity1 with 50 symptomatic @entity2720 [average age at operation: 66.1 years (46-79 years)] with @entity309 at an average of 6.8 years (SD: 3.5 years) after joint-preserving open operation is presented in this study. Synovectomy was mandatory. Open synovectomy with facultative @entity8650 ( @entity5427 ) was performed on 17 elbows, while in 33 elbows joint surface remodeling (SR)-radial head excision included-was performed. There was only a slight progression in the overall Larsen staging from 3.70 to 4.02 in the operated joints, while the non-operated joints were nearly unchanged (3.43 vs 3.56). Especially in the SR group a nearly significant ( p=0.06) increase of 31.0 degrees for the total elbow ROM as a sum of extension/ flexion and pronation/supination could be detected, while the @entity5427 group slightly decreased with -1.1 degrees. Both groups gained a comparable average Morrey score result ( @entity5427 77.6 points vs SR 75.6 points). Poor results were not noticed at all. A mild collateral instability was seen in 40% of the @entity5427 and in 20% of the SR cases, respectively. Moderate instability was found in 10% in the @entity5427 vs 5% in the SR group. Both groups showed an excellent benefit in terms of @entity158 relief, function, and satisfaction according to the @entity1 ' self-assessment on a visual analog scale.Joint-preserving operations on the rheumatoid elbow proved to be safe and efficient methods on a medium term even at late stages. Especially joint surface remodeling guarantees a noticeable increase for the elbow ROM without provoking marked collateral instability. The @entity1 ' expectations for @entity158 relief and functionality can be fulfilled completely with these methods.

[Joint-preserving procedures for the XXXX . Medium-term results].

@entity1 :: ('9606', 'Species') :: ['patients'] @entity5427 :: ('MESH:D017204', 'Disease') :: ['AS'] @entity8650 :: ('MESH:D012983', 'Disease') :: ['additional soft tissue techniques'] @entity158 :: ('MESH:D010146', 'Disease') :: ['pain'] @entity2720 :: ('MESH:D007592', 'Disease') :: ['elbow joints'] @entity309 :: ('MESH:D001172', 'Disease') :: ['rheumatoid arthritis']
@entity309 :: (MESH:D001172,Disease) :: ['rheumatoid elbow joint']
