Stiff elbow (Contracture)

Movements of the elbow span from full extension to flexion over 145 degrees. For daily activities, movements of 30 to 130 degrees are necessary. Therefore, a little decrease of motion in the elbow does not necessarily cause difficulties in everyday life. If the movements are limited to more than 30-130 degrees, than it can become a significant problem. The causes are numerous, and they can be in the joint itself (intrinsic) such as post-traumatic, degenerative damage, rheumatoid arthritis, infection…; and may happen outside the joint (extrinsic) such as soft tissue contracture, ossification, burns, some congenital diseases… Depending on the cause, either conservative (physical therapy) or surgical treatment is performed.