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

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: 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.

Source: Cureus

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.95069

Authors: Rohit Gulati, Jyotsna Agarwal, Parveen Kaur

Institution: Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre

Language: English

Topic: Elbow and Forearm Trauma Treatment

Subfield: Rehabilitation

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W4415400971