Posttraumatic stiffness: distraction arthroplasty.

Loss of motion after elbow trauma is a common complication. At times, the limitation of motion may significantly impair function. Options to improve posttraumatic motion by surgery depend on whether the joint surface has been severely involved (intrinsic vs extrinsic contracture). Increasing experience with the surgical release of the posttraumatic stiff elbow has been enhanced by the use of distraction with or without interposition arthroplasty. Current experience suggests that approximately 85% of patients will be satisfactorily treated with surgical intervention.