title: Post-traumatic elbow rotational stiffness.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The elbow is an important but complex structure, with movement in both the sagittal plane in flexion and extension, as well as the rotational plane in forearm supination and pronation. Trauma is a common cause of elbow stiffness, which significantly hampers daily function. There are currently no gold-standard management guidelines for post-traumatic elbow stiffness, and most of the published literature focuses solely on the sagittal plane of motion.
  
  
  METHODS
  This is a retrospective case series reviewing all patients who underwent a surgical release for treatment of post-traumatic elbow stiffness during a 36-month period. Motion range and the shortened version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand scores were serially measured and analyzed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The results obtained showed that both the sagittal and rotational range of motion directly influenced upper limb function; however, the relationship between these two motion planes was weak, meaning that both sagittal and rotational motion in the elbow need be addressed individually. Post-traumatic elbow stiffness could be aptly managed by various surgical approaches, including arthroscopic-assisted procedures; these were all effective in increasing both the sagittal and rotational range of motion. More importantly, this gain in range translated to a statistically significant improvement in upper limb function.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Management of elbow stiffness needs to be tackled in both the sagittal and rotational motion planes.
authors: Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology North District Hospital, Sheung Shui, New Territories, Hong Kong.
authors: Samuel Kk
authors: SK
authors: Ling
authors: Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology North District Hospital, Sheung Shui, New Territories, Hong Kong.
authors: Tun Hing
authors: TH
authors: Lui
authors: Faans Physiotherapy Clinic, North Point, Hong Kong.
authors: Yan Sui
authors: YS
authors: Faan
authors: Department of Occupational Therapy, North District Hospital, Sheung Shui, Hong Kong.
authors: Paulina Wy
authors: PW
authors: Lui
authors: Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology North District Hospital, Sheung Shui, New Territories, Hong Kong.
authors: Wai Kit
authors: WK
authors: Ngai
keywords: Elbow joint; elbow rotational motion; elbow sagittal motion; post-traumatic elbow stiffness; pronation; supination