Managing the stiff elbow

Significant loss of the arc of elbow motion can cause difficulties with many activities of daily living. Elbow stiffness can be due to traumatic and atraumatic causes, and the osseous and soft tissue structures of the elbow can both contribute to the contracture. This article reviews the assessment of patients with elbow stiffness and highlights the importance of prevention of contracture after surgery or trauma. Non-operative options and operative techniques are discussed, and the outcomes after each are summarized. Non-operative treatment can be successful in patients with mild contractures and with symptoms that have been present less than 6 months. In patients with more severe contracture, open or arthroscopic arthrolysis may allow patients to regain a functional range of motion. An understanding of the anatomical structures that contribute to the contracture is essential to achieve a successful surgical outcome.