Whether due to immobilization in a cast, extra (heterotopic)bone formation, capsular tightness---elbow stiffness may interfere tremendously with functional motion, and impair, indirectly, optimal function/use of the hand.
Fortunately, surgical techniques allow restoration of motion, when therapy alone is not successful. Postoperatively PT is critical and it is not unusual to treat the elbow with a single dose of radiation therapy to help prevent recurrent stiffness due to extra bone formation. In some cases, arthritic bone spurs and/or previously healed radial heads (after fracture) need to be resected as well.
