The use of dynamic orthoses in the treatment of the stiff elbow

  • Gerardo L. Gallucci
  • Jorge G. Boretto
  • María A. Dávalos
  • Verónica A. Alfie
  • Agustín Donndorff
  • Pablo De Carli
Original Article
First Online:
Received:
Accepted:

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the outcomes of the treatment of stiff elbow with the use of dynamic orthoses. We included 30 patients with stiff elbow with an arc of mobility of 100° or less and a stable and congruent joint without heterotopic ossifications. The dynamic orthosis was designed in our service and consists of an articulated brace with springs. Mean previous mobility was 109°–41°, with an average arc of motion of 68°. Its use began 78 days after surgery or trauma and continued for 75 days. Statistical analysis was performed. Average follow-up was 23 months. Postoperative mobility was 126°–21° with an improvement of 37° of mobility. Ten patients did not recover a functional range of motion. Twenty-three patients were satisfied with the treatment and seven were unsatisfied with the use of the orthosis. Our results suggest that dynamic orthoses are useful in the treatment of stiff elbow. We achieved a mean improvement of 37° in the arc of motion, which in many cases has rendered arthrolysis unnecessary. The major strength of this paper is the practical application of the orthosis and its relatively easy manufacture.

Keywords

Dynamic splint Splint Orthoses Stiff elbow Elbow fracture Rehabilitation 
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Notes

Conflict of interest

All authors do not have any conflict of interest.

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Copyright information

© Springer-Verlag France 2014

Authors and Affiliations

  • Gerardo L. Gallucci
    • 1
  • Jorge G. Boretto
    • 1
  • María A. Dávalos
    • 1
  • Verónica A. Alfie
    • 1
  • Agustín Donndorff
    • 1
  • Pablo De Carli
    • 1
  1. 1.Servicio de Ortopedia y Traumatología “Dr. Carlos E Ottolenghi”Hospital ItalianoBuenos AiresArgentina

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