Non-surgical Management of Post-traumatic Elbow Stiffness Following a Distal Humerus Fracture: A Case Report

This case study examines the non-surgical treatment of post-traumatic elbow stiffness following a distal humerus fracture. A 25-year-old male patient presented with significant pain and a severe restriction in elbow flexion nine months after his injury. The patient had a delayed presentation to the specialist, having previously undergone an unsuccessful closed reduction and manipulation by a local health care provider. The patient received a hydro-dissection procedure using a mixture of corticosteroids, hyaluronidase, and local anesthesia. Within three days of the treatment, he experienced improvement, with his pain-free elbow flexion increasing from 50° to 90°. The patient also reported a better quality of life and improved independence in daily activities. This case highlights hydro-dissection as a potential, minimally invasive, and effective alternative for treating synovial thickening, especially in situations with delays in surgical management or even as a treatment option to avoid surgery.