Elbow Elbow stiffness
Stiff elbow |
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| Written by Garotta Lorenzo | |
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Advertise - Pubblicitè - Pubblicità The causes of a stiff elbow are varied: complications and sequelae of a fracture or dislocation, ectopic bone formation associated with prolonged immobilization (for example after a coma ...), inflammatory disease ( rheumatoid arthritis, tuberculosis ...), infection of the elbow, articular cartilage desease (osteochondritis dissecans, arthritis ...). A stiff elbow may result in some daily activities becoming very difficult: tieing shoe laces, phone, toilet ... If rehabilitation does not produce a functional mobility, surgery may be proposed: if the cause of stiffness is intra articular, resection of the capsule can allow good mobility. In recent years this can also be performed arthroscopically (video surgery), with a faster rehab and less pain. Rehabilitation of the elbow should normally start immediately after the procedure to ensure a good result. Diagnosis
It is very important to evaluate the mobility of the elbow: flexion - extension and prono-supination. X-rays are important to find extra articular causes of stiffness (bone ectopic calcification ...). In post-traumatic stiffness, a ct-scan and / or MRI may show the presence of some loose body.
Treatment
Resection of the posterior and anterior capsule is the most important action to perform if the stiffness is intra-articular. This can sometimes be performed under arthroscopy in selected cases. Resection of ectopic bone must be systematically considered if the cause of joint stiffness is extra articular. This procedure is impossible to achieve under arthroscopy.
Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy
Rehabilitation of elbow surgery is crucial to get a good result and is performed according to well codified protocols. Generally, elbow arthroscopy allows faster recovery, because the pain is less sever compared with open surgery. The goal is to start early rehabilitation to prevent stiffness and muscle atrophy.
(This website only provides a general guidance: it is essential that you strictly follow the advise given by the surgeon and physiotherapist who are providing the treatment.)
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| Last Updated on Thursday, 11 November 2010 08:13 |
