A humeroulnar distraction manual technique for elbow stiffness after upper limb fracture / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

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.