Classification of elbow stiffness and indications for surgical treatment

An elbow can become stiff for a variety of reasons, such as intra-articular or extra-articular fractures, soft-tissue trauma, prolonged immobilization, thermal injury, infection, inflammatory arthritis, osteoarthrosis and heterotopic bone formation. Elbow stiffness is usually classified into extrins...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Der Orthopäde 2011-04, Vol.40 (4), p.282
Main Authors: Stehle, J, Gohlke, F
Format: Article
Language:ger
Subjects:
Arthroscopy - methods
Elbow Joint - injuries
Elbow Joint - surgery
Humans
Joint Instability - surgery
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:An elbow can become stiff for a variety of reasons, such as intra-articular or extra-articular fractures, soft-tissue trauma, prolonged immobilization, thermal injury, infection, inflammatory arthritis, osteoarthrosis and heterotopic bone formation. Elbow stiffness is usually classified into extrinsic (affecting the capsule and extra-articular soft tissues), intrinsic (affecting the synovial and intra-articular structures) and mixed forms. Indications for operative treatment have to be considered in cases of failed conservative treatment with severe functional deficits. The choice of operative treatment has to be based on a thorough analysis of the underlying cause, the affected structures, the pathogenesis and the individual needs. Options are an arthroscopic or open arthrolysis, endoprostheses, hinged external fixators, interposition arthroplasty or combinations of these procedures.
ISSN:1433-0431
DOI:10.1007/s00132-010-1662-9