Elbow arthroscopy for posttraumatic arthrosis.

Posttraumatic stiffness is a common complication after injury to the elbow. The loss of motion may significantly limit an individual's ability to perform normal activities of daily living. If conservative measures including medication, physical therapy, static splinting, and selective injection fail to restore functional range of motion, surgical intervention may be warranted. Open procedures have been described with reasonable success in restoring motion. However, arthroscopic techniques may provide several advantages in these patients who have often undergone previous extensive open surgery.