Elbow stiffness is a common problem after trauma to the elbow. The goal of treatment
should be to achieve a functional range of motion (30°–130°). Nonsurgical options
are physical therapy and splinting. Surgical options depend on the degree of degenerative
change in the elbow joint. With mild to moderate degenerative changes, procedures
such as soft-tissue releases, debridement, and Outerbridge-Kashiwagi arthroplasties
may be performed either open or arthroscopically. With more severe degenerative changes,
the options are more limited depending on the age and activity level of the patient.
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© 2005 American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
