TOTBİD Derleme Dergisi

TOTBİD Derleme Dergisi

2026, Cilt 25, Sayı, 3     (Sayfalar: 282-288)

Approach to stiff elbow

Mehmet Kapıcıoğlu 1, Koray Şahin 1, Kerem Bilsel 2

1 Bezmialem Vakıf Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi, Ortopedi ve Travmatoloji Ana Bilim Dalı, İstanbul
2 Acıbadem Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi, Ortopedi ve Travmatoloji Ana Bilim Dalı, İstanbul

DOI: 10.5578/totbid.derleme.dergisi.2026.35
Görüntüleme: 11
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İndirme : 8

Elbow stiffness is a common condition due to the joint`s unique anatomy, high degree of osseous congruency, tight capsuloligamentous structures, and a pronounced capsular response to inflammation. Trauma, trauma-related surgical interventions, post-traumatic arthritis, and heterotopic ossification (HO) are among the most common etiological factors. When the resulting limitation in range of motion falls below the functional arc, it significantly impairs the patient`s activities of daily living, work performance, and participation in sports or recreational activities.The management of elbow stiffness should be addressed comprehensively, including a detailed medical history and physical examination, appropriate imaging modalities, conservative treatment options (such as physiotherapy and splinting), and, when indicated, surgical arthrolysis (open or arthroscopic). Following surgical treatment, early yet non-aggressive rehabilitation combined with pharmacological prophylaxis plays a critical role in maintaining the range of motion gained through surgery.

Anahtar Kelimeler : stiff elbow; elbow stiffness; elbow arthroscopy; open release; rehabilitation