Prevention and Treatment of Elbow Stiffness

The elbow is as prone to stiffness as it is essential for upper-extremity function. The elbow is a highly constrained synovial hinge joint that frequently becomes stiff after injury. Elbow contracture is challenging to treat, and therefore prevention is of paramount importance. When this approach fails, nonoperative followed by operative treatment modalities can be pursued. In the future, efforts to prevent and treat elbow stiffness may target the basic science mechanisms involved. (J Hand Surg 2009;34A:769-778. (C) 2009 Published by Elsevier Inc. on. behalf of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand.)