title: Evaluating and treating the stiff elbow.
abstract: The evaluation and treatment of the stiff elbow are described, as well as the lateral, medial, anterior, and posterior approaches for release of elbow contractures. The results after surgical release in 48 patients that failed nonoperative treatment for elbow contractures in our institution are reported. A literature review is provided.
authors.affiliation: Division of Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery, Department of Orthopaedics, University of Pittsburgh, 3471 Fifth Avenue, Kaufmann Bldg., Suite 1010, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
authors.forename: Dimitris G
authors.initials: DG
authors.lastname: Vardakas
authors.forename: Sokratis E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Varitimidis
authors.forename: Felix
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Goebel
authors.forename: Molly T
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Vogt
authors.forename: Dean G
authors.initials: DG
authors.lastname: Sotereanos
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003286:Contracture / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D004551:Elbow Joint / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D018579:Patient Selection; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities / Q000379:methods; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000379:methods; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology; D016896:Treatment Outcome