The function of the elbow joint is to precisely position the hand in a three-dimensional space. It extremely increases the function of the hand. If the range of motion of the joint is lower than the functional range of motion, it is diagnosed as stiffness. Trauma is the most common cause of elbow joint stiffness, and it can also be induced by long-term splint immobilization, inflammatory arthritis, osteoarthritis, congenital or developmental diseases, and ectopic ossification due to burns and head injuries. Simple radiographs of the elbow joint are taken to confirm joint alignment, narrowing the joint gap, the healing state of the initial trauma, the presence of ectopic ossification around the joint, and the presence or absence of loose bodies in the joint. Because CT is more precise than simple radiographs, it is much more helpful to plan operation through 3D CT images. The purpose of management for elbow joint stiffness is to reinstate a stable elbow joint with a pain-free functional range of motion. In most patients, mild elbow joint stiffness can be managed by conservative treatment. It is important to decide what operational approach to use before surgery. Surgical management for elbow stiffness can be mainly divided into open or arthroscopic joint capsule release and elbow arthroplasty.