# A Case of Elbow Extension Limitation Caused by Phlebosclerosis Following Peripheral Intravenous Chemotherapy: A Case Report and Literature Review

## TL;DR

A woman developed elbow stiffness after chemotherapy due to a rare condition called phlebosclerosis, which was successfully treated with surgery.

## Contribution

This case highlights phlebosclerosis as a rare but treatable cause of elbow contracture following chemotherapy.

## Key findings

- Phlebosclerosis in the antecubital region caused elbow flexion contracture after chemotherapy.
- Surgical excision of fibrotic veins led to full elbow extension recovery.
- Proactive surgical intervention is recommended for similar cases.

## Abstract

We report a rare case of phlebosclerosis in the left antecubital region after peripheral intravenous chemotherapy, which caused elbow contracture. A 54-year-old woman with breast cancer underwent partial mastectomy of the right breast and 8 courses of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, 6 of which were administered via venipuncture in the left forearm. She developed progressive flexion contracture of the left elbow despite rehabilitation. Two cord-like fibrotic veins were identified in the antecubital region and surgically excised. Postoperative rehabilitation led to full elbow extension within 5 months. In cases with elbow extension limitation, proactive surgical intervention should be considered.