[Contracture of the elbow joint. Etiological review and general treatment concepts]

The contracture of the elbow joint is a symptom of various local changes and systemic disorders. Appropriate therapy requires a distinct knowledge of the relevant anatomical structures as well as of the etiology and pathogenesis of the functional restriction. Systematically, intrinsic contractures coming from the synovial membrane and intra-articular structures are distinguished from extrinsic contractures involving extra-articular soft tissues. The etiology of heterotopic ossifications is still widely unknown. The classification of the contracture is defined by the by extent of the remaining range of motion. Indications for surgery in severe cases depend on the degree of pain and of functional loss. Surgical arthrolysis includes a large spectrum of possibilities ranging from endocopical procedures to prosthetic joint replacement. Complications are relatively frequent after surgery and the individual gain of function is not always predictable.