DIFFICULTIES IN RECOVERING THE ELBOW JOINT AFTER INJURIES

Abstract

The unique qualities of the elbow joint as a result of its specific function in the upper extremity make it well studied. The elbow functions by employing the concerted activity of its musculotendinous and bony structures. The shoulder determines the special position of the limb, whereas the elbow regulates the limb length and height to optimize the hand position and function. The evaluation of an elbow injury depends on the correlating symptoms and the history with a careful physical and radiographic examination. The high degree of congruity of the articular surfaces and the relatively small capsular volume makes the elbow joint very complicated. Any significant distortion of the normal anatomy, including bony deformity (congenital post-traumatic), bony or fibrous ankylosis and in some cases, prior surgery (ulnar nerve transposition) plays a major role in its functional recovery. It is often impossible to identify the exact etiologic abnormality responsible for the elbow stiffness and pain. This is one of the most frustrating aspects of treating patients with elbow trauma. There are many theoretic explanations of the possible etiologies, responsible for the common types of elbow joint complications, concerning the anatomic structure, physiologic abnormality or biomechanical alteration responsible for the problems of reaching full range of motion.