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From the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

The Stiff Elbow

by Melvin P. Rosenwasser, MD; Theodore Blaine, MD; Kevin J. Setter, MD

Stiffness of the elbow is limited elbow motion secondary to intrinsic (intra-articular) or extrinsic (extra-articular) causes. It is commonly associated with prior trauma, prior surgery, or degenerative disease (arthritis). A number of important clinical presenting signs and symptoms that are indicative of stiff elbow are reviewed in this article. Managing elbow stiffness begins with prevention.

Nonsurgical options, including exercise and splinting are reviewed. Considerations in surgical management are reviewed, and surgical treatment options are reviewed extensively, including open capsular release (column procedure), arthroscopioc capsular release, and Outerbridge-Kashiwagi arthroplasty.

Keywords: elbow stiffness, contracture of the elbow, extrinsic elbow contracture, intrinsic elbow contracture, incidence, etiology, classification, diagnosis, patient history, physical examination, imaging, radiography, CT, MRI, management, prevention, nonsurgical treatment, stretching exercises, splinting, surgical treatment, surgical techniques, open capsular release, column procedure, arthroscopic capsular release, Outerbridge-Kashiwagi arthroplasty, indications, contraindications, outcomes, rehabilitation, complications

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