Arthroscopic management of elbow stiffness

Joaquin Sanchez-Sotelo

doi:10.1186/s40634-021-00420-4

Abstract

The elbow is particularly prone to stiffness. Loss of elbow motion is very limiting, and can be the result of trauma, primary osteoarthritis, heterotopic ossification and other conditions. Several exposures have been described for open elbow contracture release. Although a few decades ago elbow arthroscopy was considered only for diagnosis and removal of loose bodies, contemporary arthroscopic techniques allow successful management of the majority of conditions leading to elbow stiffness. Careful patient evaluation, use of advanced imaging studies, and acquisition of appropriate surgical skills are essential for the successful arthroscopic management of the stiff elbow. This expert opinion reviews some fundamentals of elbow stiffness as well as principles for the evaluation and arthroscopic management of the stiff elbow.

Highlights

Loss of elbow motion is a relatively common complication of elbow trauma, and it can occur as a consequence of primary elbow osteoarthritis, as well as inflammatory and other conditions [11, 19]
Arthroscopic elbow techniques have been refined to allow successful surgical management of the majority of stiff elbows. This expert opinion review summarizes our current understanding of elbow stiffness and some of the principles for successful arthroscopic management of the stiff elbow
Summary Loss of elbow motion is relatively common after trauma and can occur as a consequence of arthritis and other conditions

Summary

Introduction

Loss of elbow motion is a relatively common complication of elbow trauma, and it can occur as a consequence of primary elbow osteoarthritis, as well as inflammatory and other conditions [11, 19]. Advanced arthroscopic elbow techniques may be considered when forearm rotation may be improved by releasing scar tissue around the radial head and neck, removing ectopic bone in that location, or performing an arthroscopic radial head resection. Patient evaluation History and physical examination The primary goals of the evaluation of patients presenting with a chief complaint of elbow stiffness include (1) accurate and precise measurement and documentation of motion, (2) determination of motion needs, (3) identification of the etiology and contributing factors, (4) careful assessment of the condition of the ulnar nerve, and (5) review of prior treatment attempts.

Results

Conclusion