Conservative management of elbow dislocations with an overhead motion protocol. Academic Article uri icon

Overview

abstract

  • PURPOSE: To report the results of using an overhead motion protocol in 27 patients and to assess final range of motion and incidence of persistent instability in this cohort. METHODS: A total of 27 patients were included who sustained a simple elbow dislocation and were treated nonsurgically with an overhead motion protocol designed to convert gravity from a distracting to a stabilizing force. Motion was initiated within 1 week of injury and average follow-up was 29 months. Final arc of motion and prevalence of instability were the primary outcomes measures. RESULTS: Final mean arc of extension to flexion was from 6° to 137°, and of pronation to supination was from 87° to 86°. No recurrent instability was observed in this cohort and all patients were fully functional and without limitations at latest follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The overhead motion protocol was a reliable rehabilitation program after elbow dislocation that allowed for controlled early motion by placing the elbow in an inherently stable position. Prompt initiation of motion in a protected position can optimize final motion and satisfaction outcomes, and when done in a mechanically advantageous position it can potentially limit the risk of recurrent instability. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

publication date

  • January 21, 2015

Research

keywords

  • Elbow Injuries
  • Joint Dislocations
  • Joint Instability
  • Motion Therapy, Continuous Passive
  • Range of Motion, Articular

Identity

Scopus Document Identifier

  • 84924266125

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1016/j.jhsa.2014.11.016

PubMed ID

  • 25617220

Additional Document Info

volume

  • 40

issue

  • 3