The role of physical therapy in the treatment of post-traumatic contracture of the elbow in children

Abstract

Introduction. Elbow fractures account for 7-9% of all fractures in children, while supracondylar humeral fractures are the most common fractures in the elbow joint region. Most of these fractures are seen in children between 5 and 8 years of age. Management of elbow injuries. Orthopedic treatment of elbow injuries includes conservative and/or surgical treatment, and outcomes are much better in children than in adults. The main contributing factors to the development of elbow contractures include the severity of the trauma, intra-articular damage, and length of immobilization. The literature is still limited in terms of the time required for regaining good elbow range of motion after contracture. Complication of elbow injuries. Neurological deficits may be treated conservatively, by electrical stimulation, vitamin therapy and intensive exercises. Physical therapy of elbow contracture. Some authors showed that, in uncomplicated cases of supracondylar elbow fractures, physical therapy is not necessary in order to regain adequate range of motion. On the other hand, according to guide recommendations, after post-traumatic elbow immobilisation and reduced mobility, patients should undergo occupational and physical therapy as soon as possible after the period of immobilization. It has been proven that combined active and passive therapeutic programs significantly improve the range of motion of the elbow joint. Conclusion. The therapeutic approach to post-traumatic contracture of the elbow should be individual, patiently and properly dosed, with follow-up of pathogenesis and kinesiology disorders. However, physicians should be aware of the fact that particular attention should primarily be paid to the prevention of contractures. <br><br><font color="red"><b> This article has been corrected. Link to the correction <u><a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.2298/MPNS1708202E">10.2298/MPNS1708202E</a><u></b></font>