What Might Prevent Me From Bending My Elbow Past 90 Degrees?

Reviewed by Tomas Diaz, MD

Emergency Medicine

Difficulty bending your elbow past 90 degrees often stems from joint stiffness caused by scar tissue formation, changes in the joint, or complications following an injury or surgery. These conditions can restrict normal movement and limit your elbow's range of motion.

Explanation

If you have trouble bending your elbow beyond 90 degrees, it's typically caused by joint stiffness. This stiffness often develops after an injury or surgery—when scar tissue forms and muscles or ligaments tighten, reducing joint flexibility. Joint inflammation or arthritis can cause pain and swelling, which makes bending your elbow difficult. Loose bone fragments within the joint can limit your range of motion, usually following a serious injury. Treatment options to restore range of motion vary depending on the underlying cause. If you have limited elbow movement, see a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan.

(References)

Verstuyft L, Caekebeke P, van Riet R. Postoperative rehabilitation in elbow surgery. J Clin Orthop Trauma. 2021 Jun 18;20:101479. doi: 10.1016/j.jcot.2021.101479. Erratum in: J Clin Orthop Trauma. 2021 Jul 30;20:101538. doi: 10.1016/j.jcot.2021.101538. PMID: 34262846; PMCID: PMC8254033.
Nandi S, Maschke S, Evans PJ, Lawton JN. The stiff elbow. Hand (N Y). 2009 Dec;4(4):368-79. doi: 10.1007/s11552-009-9181-z. Epub 2009 Apr 7. PMID: 19350328; PMCID: PMC2787214.
Updated 2023 Aug 8]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459268/

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