Posttraumatic elbow stiffness.

This article outlines the nonoperative and operative treatment of posttraumatic elbow contractures. Elbow stiffness is a significant cause of disability because it results in the inability to position the hand in space. Initial treatment should be nonoperative, consisting of splinting and physical therapy. Established elbow contractures that interfere with a patient's vocation or avocations can be treated operatively by either open or arthroscopic release. The surgical release of posttraumatic elbow contractures is rewarding, with a high incidence of success and a reasonable risk of complications.