Browse > Article
http://dx.doi.org/10.5397/CiSE.2010.13.2.286

Pathophysiology of Stiff Elbow  

Song, Hyun-Seok (Department of Orthopedic Surgery, St. Paul's Hospital, the Catholic University of Korea)
Yoon, Hyung-Moon (Department of Orthopedic Surgery, St. Paul's Hospital, the Catholic University of Korea)
Publication Information
Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow / v.13, no.2, 2010 , pp. 286-292 More about this Journal
Abstract
Purpose: Stability of joints and maintenance of range of motion are needed for optimum function. The most common complaint about the elbow joint is joint stiffness. Recent articles have reported good outcomes in the treatment of stiff elbow joints. However, deciding which procedure to use is always difficult. Materials and Methods: Morrey et al. reported that the functional range of motion of the elbow joint is $30-130^{\circ}$ of flexion-extension and $50^{\circ}C$ of supination and pronation. About 90% of daily activities are done using this range of motion. Stiff elbow joints can be classified according to the traumatic events that caused the problem or the location of the main pathology. Intraarticular pathology includes severe articular mismatch, intraarticular adhesions, loss of articular cartilage, mechanical blockade by osteophytes, loose bodies, and hypertrophied synovium. Extraarticular pathology includes severe capsular adhesion due to the trauma or to dislocation, contracture of the collateral ligaments or muscles, bony bridge. Results and Conclusions: The main pathology underlying the loss of extension is the fibrous contracture of the anterior capsule. In this pathology, an anterior capsulectomy would be helpful. The main pathology underlying the loss of flexion is the contracture of the posterior band of medial collateral ligament.
Keywords
Stiff elbow; Pathophysiology; Capsulectomy; Contracture;
Citations & Related Records
연도 인용수 순위
  • Reference
1 Peterson SL, Mani MM, Crawford CM, Neff JR, Hiebert JM: Postburn heterotopic ossification: insights for management decision making. J Trauma, 29: 365-369, 1989.   DOI
2 Sazbon L, Najenson T, Tartakovsky M, Becker E, Grosswasser Z: Widespread periarticular new-bone formation in long-term comatose patients. J Bone Joint Surg Br, 63: 120-125, 1981.
3 Sojbjerg JO, Ovesen J, Nielsen S: Experimental elbow instability after transection of the medial collateral ligament. Clin Orthop Relat Res, 218: 186-190, 1987.
4 Wada T, Ishii S, Usui M, Miyano S: The medial approach for operative release of post-traumatic contracture of the elbow. J Bone Joint Surg Br, 82: 68-73, 2000.   DOI
5 Garland DE, O’Hollaren RM: Fractures and dislocations about the elbow in the head-injured adult. Clin Orthop Relat Res, 168: 38-41, 1982.
6 Gofton WT, King GJ: Heterotopic ossification following elbow arthroscopy. Arthroscopy, 17: E2, 2001.   DOI   ScienceOn
7 Hoffer MM, Brody G, Ferlic F: Excision of heterotopic ossification about elbows in patients with thermal injury. J Trauma, 18: 667-670, 1978.   DOI
8 Holguin PH, Rico AA, Garcia JP, Del Rio JL: Elbow anchylosis due to postburn heterotopic ossification. J Burn Care Rehabil, 17: 150-154, 1996.   DOI
9 Itoh Y, Saegusa K, Ishiguro T, Horiuchi Y, Sasaki T, Uchinishi K: Operation for the stiff elbow. Int Orthop, 13: 263-268, 1989.   DOI
10 Jupiter JB, O’Driscoll SW, Cohen MS: The assessment and management of the stiff elbow. Instr Course Lect, 52: 93-111, 2003.
11 Kelly EW, Morrey BF, O’Driscoll SW: Complications of elbow arthroscopy. J Bone Joint Surg Am, 83: 25-34, 2001.
12 Mohan K: Myositis ossificans traumatica of the elbow. Int Surg, 57: 475-478, 1972.
13 Moritomo H, Tada K, Yoshida T: Early, wide excision of heterotopic ossification in the medial elbow. J Shoulder Elbow Surg, 10: 164-168, 2001.   DOI   ScienceOn
14 Failla JM, Amadio PC, Morrey BF, Beckenbaugh RD: Proximal radioulnar synostosis after repair of distal biceps brachii rupture by the two-incision technique. Report of four cases. Clin Orthop Relat Res, 253: 133-136, 1990.
15 Morrey BF: Post-traumatic contracture of the elbow. Operative treatment, including distraction arthroplasty. J Bone Joint Surg Am, 72: 601-618, 1990.
16 Morrey BF, Askew LJ, Chao EY: A biomechanical study of normal functional elbow motion. J Bone Joint Surg Am, 63: 872-877, 1981.
17 O’Driscoll SW, Morrey BF, Korinek S, An KN: Elbow subluxation and dislocation. A spectrum of instability. Clin Orthop Relat Res, 280: 186-197, 1992.
18 An KN, Morrey BF, Chao EY: The effect of partial removal of proximal ulna on elbow constraint. Clin Orthop Relat Res, 209: 270-279, 1986.