Elbow stiffness may develop due to various causes but most frequently it is secondary to a traumatic elbow lesion or heterotopic ossification common after head or spinal trauma. Both open and ...arthroscopic releases are effective. The arthroscopic release is reserved for intra-articular and capsular reasons, while open surgery can address either intra-articular or extra-articular causes. Different surgical approaches are used to treat elbow stiffness, depending on the exact anatomical location of the lesion that limits the range of movements. Complications are rare, the most frequent being incomplete resolution of stiffness. Nerve lesions are very rare. Most frequent is a partial ulnar nerve lesion, especially when nerve release or transposition is required. Conservative treatment with static or dynamic braces can be effective when there are no anatomical reasons for stiffness. Braces can be used as an adjunct to surgical treatment in the postoperative period in selected cases where no bony impingement is present.
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