Distraction arthroplasty of the elbow.

One of the most common and potentially disabling complications of elbow trauma is that of posttraumatic stiffness. The type of surgery best suited to the patient's need is a function of the existence of joint surface involvement (intrinsic or extrinsic). For intrinsic causes, distraction with or without interposition arthroplasty has altered functional outcome. What was thought to be a virtually untreatable complication has now been treated with an aggressive surgical release and distraction to achieve an acceptable result.