title: The evaluation and treatment of elbow dysfunction secondary to spasticity and paralysis.
abstract: An integrated pharmaceutical, surgical, and therapeutic approach is described for the management of patients with spasticity and paralysis of the elbow due to central nervous system injury. The patient populations considered in this article include those with cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, and spinal cord injuries. Therapy evaluations and techniques and pharmacologic interventions to prevent loss of elbow motion are presented. Surgical techniques such as tendon lengthening, joint releases, and/or tendon transfer and postoperative therapy guidelines to restore loss of elbow motion are reviewed. Outcomes of this team approach in one clinical setting are presented.
authors.affiliation: Shriners Hospital for Children, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140, USA.
authors.forename: Diane
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Barus
authors.forename: Scott H
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Kozin
mesh_terms: D019274:Botulinum Toxins, Type A / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004551:Elbow Joint / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D009128:Muscle Spasticity / Q000150:complications* / Q000628:therapy*; D009465:Neuromuscular Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures; D010243:Paralysis / Q000150:complications* / Q000628:therapy*; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology; D020196:Trauma, Nervous System / Q000150:complications*
chemical_list: D009465:Neuromuscular Agents; D019274:Botulinum Toxins, Type A