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

## TL;DR

A 25-year-old man with elbow stiffness after a fracture improved significantly with a non-surgical hydro-dissection treatment.

## Contribution

Demonstrates hydro-dissection as a minimally invasive alternative to surgery for post-traumatic elbow stiffness.

## Key findings

- Pain-free elbow flexion improved from 50° to 90° within three days of treatment.
- Patient reported better quality of life and increased independence in daily activities.
- Hydro-dissection effectively addressed synovial thickening without surgery.

## 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.