[Neurological complications of elbow stiffness].

Although complications following release of elbow contracture are rare, among these the neurological complications are the most common. Fortunately the majority of complications are transient, however, major complications including complete nerve transection at the level of the elbow have been reported especially after arthroscopic release. The ulnar nerve is mostly involved, rarely the radial nerve and very rarely the median nerve. This article describes the risk of nerve lesions in contracture release of the elbow and provides guidelines on how to avoid them.