Elbow stiffness

Abstract

Elbow stiffness can be a very limiting condition. Interpretation of the etiology is crucial to decide the ideal indication of each patient. The status of the joint dictates the preferred treatment. Indications for operative and nonoperative treatment are reviewed. Detailed surgical technique for open and arthroscopic elbow capsulectomies is presented. The influence of the ulnar nerve on the outcome is discussed along with the complications and expected results of simple elbow stiffness.Complex cases requiring interposition or total joint arthroplasty are analyzed, and a preferred treatment algorithm is provided. Indications, techniques, and outcomes of each procedure are reviewed.