Fifteen patients with acute flexion contractures of the elbow after
injuries or operations were treated with a turnbuckle splint. Satisfactory
correction was achieved in twelve patients. An average reduction in
deformity of about 37 degrees was recorded after an average treatment
period of twenty weeks. The treatment was unsuccessful in three patients
with severe intra-articular damage because the splint caused excessive
discomfort. The average improvement in the arc of motion of the elbow was
approximately 43 degrees.