title: Elbow flexion contractures treated with serial casts and conservative therapy.
abstract: We report on the technique of serial casts to successfully reverse elbow flexion contractures in three patients. Patients considered for this technique had a traumatic injury to the elbow that resulted in residual soft tissue restrictions; their mean flexion deformity was 44 degrees, which had been present for an average of 6 months. Treatment consisted of traditional therapy methods to obtain initial stretch and elongation of tissue followed by application of a cylindrical fiberglass cast in the position of maximal elbow extension. The cast was worn for 3 to 5 days, then removed, and the entire process was repeated. After the use of serial casts, elbow flexion contractures were reduced to a mean of 11 degrees. These results have been maintained over an average of 26 months. The use of casts in the treatment of elbow flexion contractures appears to be a viable technique for increasing range of motion when traditional methods of treatment alone are unsuccessful and surgical intervention may be the only alternative.
authors.affiliation: Hand Surgery Associates, P.C., Denver, CO 80210.
authors.forename: C L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Zander
authors.forename: N L
authors.initials: NL
authors.lastname: Healy
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003286:Contracture / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007103:Immobilization; D008297:Male; D009989:Orthotic Devices; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D000092464:Elbow Injuries