Characteristics of mechanical bony block at the elbow region following noncompliant treatment in rural settings: A retrospective study from a teaching hospital

Background: Elbow function is important for activities of daily living and restriction of its full range of motion affects the quality of life. Various localized reasons such as trauma, congenital deformities, and diseases may alter bony anatomy resulting in suboptimal joint movement and require appropriate diagnosis and subsequent management. It is therefore important to know the common causes of mechanical elbow block and their pattern. Materials and Methods: A retrospective account of serial cases of mechanical flexion block with the radiological presence of bony hindrance to elbow motion were included with relevant characteristics like patient demographics, laterality, reason, anatomical involvement, previous and further treatment were noted for each of them. Result: A total of 21 cases (18 males and 3 females) with mechanical flexion block were part of the study with a mean age of 20.19 years. Malunited supracondylar and malunited radial head fractures were commonly identified the reason for the bony block, followed by other singular causes. Operative intervention was done in most of the cases, while one case was managed conservatively. Lack of availability of specialist doctors, lack of regular transport to higher center, and financial issues were reasons behind noncompliance to the treatment. Conclusion: Mechanical motion block is disabling condition and dedicated preventive and therapeutic intervention is required to deal with it. The pediatric cases can be observed for remodeling failing which operative intervention can be done. The surgery in selective adult cases leads to good outcome.