Clinical Relevance Commentary in Response to: Coaching of patients with and isolated minimally displaced fracture of the radial head immediately increases range of motion

Abstract

Even a minor injury occurring at the elbow can result in limitations in elbow active range of motion (AROM). 18 Sardelli M. Tashjian R.S. MacWilliams B.A. Functional elbow range of motion for contemporary task. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2011; 93: 471-477 Crossref PubMed Scopus (150) Google Scholar , 21 Morrey B.F. An K.N. Functional evaluation of the elbow. in: Morrey B.F. The Elbow and Its Disorders. 3rd ed. WB Saunders, Philadelphia, PA2000: 74-83 Google Scholar It is widely accepted that patient participation in a home program has been an integral component of therapy to facilitate improvements in motion, function, and reduction of pain. My clinical experience is consistent with the finding that patients with Broberg-Morrey–modified Mason type 1 or 2 fracture 1 Broberg M.A. Morrey B.F. Results of treatment of fracture-dislocations of the elbow. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1987; 216: 109-119 PubMed Google Scholar of the radial head or the neck often may have reports of pain, stiffness, swelling, limited AROM, and limitations in function immediately after the period of initial nonoperative treatment of rest. I concur that patients typically show some improvement in AROM on the same day when the protection of a sling/splint is discontinued, are instructed in safe parameters of exercise, and have the opportunity to demonstrate correct exercise and activity performance.