What might prevent me from bending or straightening my elbow all the way?

When you hurt your elbow, the body often repairs the damage by forming scar tissue, which can make the joint stiff. This stiffness can happen after fractures or dislocations where the normal shape and movement of the elbow are affected. Sometimes, the body even grows extra bone in the soft tissues around the elbow, a problem called heterotopic ossification. Both scar tissue and extra bone growth block smooth, full motion in the joint. Other times, not moving your elbow much after an injury can lead to stiffness of the muscles and tendons. Researchers have studied these issues and found that careful treatment right after an injury, like gentle movement and sometimes physical therapy, can help reduce the risk of this stiffness. The idea is to keep the elbow moving safely so that scar tissue does not restrict motion. If you have trouble moving your elbow, it is important to see a healthcare provider for a proper evaluation and to discuss the best way to regain full movement.