Biomechanical Evaluation and Surgical Interventions for Elbow Stiffness
Summary
Elbow stiffness arises from a combination of capsular contracture, periarticular scarring and heterotopic bone formation that together restrict joint kinematics and muscle–tendon mechanics. Biomechanical evaluation encompasses both static and dynamic assessment of the ulnohumeral and radiocapitellar articulations, utilising imaging modalities—such as three-dimensional and four-dimensional computed tomography—to define the flexion–extension axis, identify impingement loci and plan surgical release. Intraoperative navigation and isokinetic testing further refine the restoration of a functional range of motion. Surgical interventions range from open and arthroscopic arthrolysis, which release fibrotic capsules and remove osteophytes, to interposition arthroplasty, where biological grafts restore joint congruence and delay arthroplasty. Continuous passive motion protocols and tailored physiotherapy regimens are critical to maintain gains and prevent recurrence. Advances in minimally invasive techniques and preoperative simulation have increasingly enabled personalised strategies that balance maximal restoration of mobility with preservation of joint stability and soft-tissue integrity.
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Biomechanical Evaluation and Surgical Interventions for Elbow Stiffness publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in biomechanical evaluation and surgical interventions for elbow stiffness across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Arthrolysis: Surgical release of a joint by excising adhesions and scar tissue to restore motion.
Arthroscopic release: Minimally invasive procedure using a camera and instruments inserted through small portals to debride capsules and osteophytes.
Heterotopic ossification: Pathological formation of lamellar bone in periarticular soft tissues following trauma or surgery.
Interposition arthroplasty: Reconstruction technique in which biological or synthetic material is placed between joint surfaces to improve congruence and mobility.
Range of motion (ROM): The measurable degree of movement at a joint, typically reported in degrees of flexion and extension.
References
- Risk Factors for the Occurrence and Progression of Posttraumatic Elbow Stiffness: A Case-Control Study of 688 Cases. Frontiers in Medicine (2020).
- Heterotopic Ossification after Arthroscopic Elbow Release. Orthopaedic Surgery (2020).
- Early outcome after the use of the triceps fascia flap in interposition elbow arthroplasty: a novel method in the treatment of post-traumatic elbow stiffness. SICOT-J (2020).
- Feasibility of four-dimensional preoperative simulation for elbow debridement arthroplasty. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders (2016).
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