Abstract: Elbow stiffness is a common complication after trauma or surgery to this joint. The soft tissue is a primary factor resulting in stiffness of the elbow. Splints increasing passive range of motion (PROM) with creep or stress relaxation principle play a important role in reconstruction for post-traumatic elbow stiffness. The clinician should follow the basic principle in designing and application of splints. With reasonable resign and appropriate regimen, clinical experience and related research show that splints can improve elbow ROM of post-traumatic elbow stiffness efficiently.

Key words: splints, elbow stiffness, reconstruction