Management of Elbow Stiffness A Systematic Review

Abstract

he elbow is a highly constrained synovial hinge joint, intolerant to trauma, with a high tendency for stiffness and degeneration. Articulations of elbow joint are formed between the trochlea and capitellum of the humerus with the trochlear notch of the ulna and radial head respectively. The soft tissue boundary of the elbow joint is the articular capsule, which is weakest anteriorly and posteriorly but has well-defined lateral and medial ligamentous complexes.(1) Elbow motion serves to position the hand in space. the functional arc of elbow motion during activities of daily living to be 100° for both flexion–extension (30° to 130°) and pronation–supination (50° in either direction).2 The stiff or is defined as an elbow with a reduction in extension greater than 30 degrees, and/or a flexion less than 130 degrees, supination and pronation below 50 degree. Stiff elbow can be broadly categorized as either traumatic or atraumatic. trauma (3,4) burn (5), and head injury are known causes of elbow contractures, that are directly proportional to the severity of the insult. Elbow surgery