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Hand & Upper Limb
intermediate
X-Type

Elbow Stiffness Release

Elbow Surgery

A 38-year-old man presents 12 months after a terrible triad injury to his elbow. Despite 6 months of physiotherapy, he has a flexion contracture of 45 degrees and can only flex to 100 degrees (ROM 45-100°). He struggles with activities of daily living. Radiographs show healed fractures with no hardware impingement but significant periarticular heterotopic ossification anteriorly. There is no ulnar nerve dysfunction. Regarding elbow stiffness and surgical release:

Mark each as TRUE or FALSE

A

The functional arc of elbow motion is 30-130 degrees of flexion-extension and 50 degrees each of pro...

B

Non-operative treatment includes stretching, static progressive or turnbuckle splinting (low-load pr...

C

The functional arc is 0-90 degrees; capsular contracture is rare; HO should be excised immediately a...

D

Surgical approaches include open (lateral column procedure - extensile access, addresses posterior a...

E

Heterotopic ossification excision requires identification and protection of neurovascular structures...

Answer the questions to see explanations

Click T (True) or F (False) for each option