A humeroulnar distraction manual technique for elbow stiffness after upper limb fracture
10.3760/cma.j.issn.0254-1424.2010.07.013
- VernacularTitle:肱尺关节分离技术对上肢骨折后肘关节功能障碍的疗效
- Author:
Jie LI
;
Yunfei LI
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Humeroulnar distraction;
Manual therapy;
Arm fracture;
Elbow stiffness
- From:
Chinese Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
2010;32(7):527-530
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective To investigate simple manual humeroulnar distraction for alleviating elbow stiffness due to upper limb fracture. Methods Twenty-seven patients with elbow stiffness due to upper limb fracture were divided into control and experimental groups. Before treatment there was no significant difference in stiffness between the groups. The controls were treated with the combined mobilizations and passive stretching. The experimental group was treated with manual humeroulnar distraction alone. Both groups were treated for four weeks. Range of motion ( ROM) and the Mayo elbow function scale (MEFS) were used to evaluate elbow function before and after 4 weeks of treatment. Results After 4 weeks, there was a significant difference between the groups. In the experimental group average ROM reached (110±20) °,an average of 29.6°better than the controls (80.4±23.6) °. MEFS scores also showed significant differences between the experimental group (93. 85±7. 95) and the control group (83.93±9. 24). Conclusions Humeroulnar joint distraction might increase ROM and improve the functioning of stiff elbow joints. This finding may help rehabilitation professionals choose more effective manual mobilization techniques for treating elbow stiffness after upper limb fracture.
