What it is
Elbow arthritis and post-traumatic stiffness reduce the range through which the joint moves. Loose fragments of bone or cartilage can also float in the joint and cause sudden catching.
How it usually presents
- Difficulty fully straightening or bending the elbow
- Pain at the ends of movement
- Locking, catching or a sensation of something moving inside the joint
How it is assessed
Examination measuring the range of movement, X-rays, and CT where surgery is being considered.
Treatment options
- Physiotherapy and splinting programmes
- Injection therapy
- Arthroscopic debridement and removal of loose bodies
- Open release for severe stiffness
Non-surgical treatment is considered first wherever it is reasonable. Which option suits you depends on your symptoms, your goals and what you want from treatment, which is exactly what we discuss in clinic.
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