Unilateral Elbow Arthrodesis: The Preferred Position

ABSTRACT: Twenty-five volunteers had unilateral elbow immobilization for 24 hours in each  of two positions of flexion, 45° and 90°. Twenty-two of the 25 volunteers preferred a position  of 90° of flexion. Standard functional testing revealed significant limitations in each position of immobilization, confirming that there is no single optimal position of elbow arthrodesis. This  study suggests that, for most individuals, 90° is the preferred position of elbow arthrodesis for  activities of daily living. However, factors such as age, sex, occupation, and dominance of the  extremity should be considered when choosing a position of arthrodesis.