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Soft Tissue Management of Elbow Deformities

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Book cover Clinical Management of the Rheumatoid Hand, Wrist, and Elbow

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Abstract

Soft tissue problems of an elbow affected by rheumatoid arthritis (RA) include rheumatoid nodules, synovial cysts, olecranon bursitis, and complicated wounds. These issues are not often discussed in relation to elbow joint problems that require operations such as synovectomy and arthroplasty. Rheumatoid nodules, synovial cysts, and olecranon bursitis are usually treated conservatively; however, complicated wounds are more difficult to treat. Treatment options for complicated wounds must take into account the vulnerability of the vessels and the susceptibility of RA patients to infection. The elbow is at a disadvantage because of the long-term immobilization required after surgical treatment, which can cause stiffness. Surgeons must choose the best treatment for the individual patients, and in order to do this, they need to fully understand the various options. This chapter describes the treatments for soft tissue problems of the elbow.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, Tsukuba University Hospital, Mito Clinical Education and Training Center, Mito, Ibaraki, Japan

    Takeshi Ogawa MD, PhD

  2. Comprehensive Hand Center, Section of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The University of Michigan Health System, 2130 Taubman Center, SPC 5340, 1500 E. Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-5340, USA

    Kevin C. Chung MD, MS

Authors
  1. Takeshi Ogawa MD, PhD
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  2. Kevin C. Chung MD, MS
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Takeshi Ogawa MD, PhD .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Comp Hand Cen. Sec of PS, Dept of Surg, The University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA

    Kevin C. Chung

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Ogawa, T., Chung, K.C. (2016). Soft Tissue Management of Elbow Deformities. In: Chung, K. (eds) Clinical Management of the Rheumatoid Hand, Wrist, and Elbow. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-26660-2_23

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-26660-2_23

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-26658-9

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-26660-2

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

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