Restoring range of motion via stress relaxation and static progressive stretch in posttraumatic elbow contractures.
OBJECTIVE
Loss of range of motion after injury or surgery of the elbow is a common complication. We hypothesized that an orthosis that used progressive stretch and stress relaxation principles would improve elbow range of motion.


METHODS
This study evaluated the result of a patient-directed, bidirectional orthosis that uses static progressive stretch and stress relaxation principles to improve elbow range of motion in patients who had posttraumatic elbow contractures. Treatment in 37 elbows consisted of a 30-minute stretching protocol performed in 1 to 3 sessions daily for a mean of 10 weeks (range, 2-22 weeks).


RESULTS
The mean gain in range of motion was 26 degrees (range, 2 degrees -60 degrees ). Gains of motion were noted in 35 of 37 elbows. Patients lowered their analgesic use and were highly satisfied with the device (mean satisfaction score of 8.5 of 10 points possible).


CONCLUSIONS
This device compared favorably with reports of other devices. Consistent improvements in restoring range of motion can be achieved with short treatment times by using a device based on the principles of static progressive stretch and stress relaxation in patients with posttraumatic elbow contractures.
Ulrich
Slif D
SD
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Union Memorial Hospital, Baltimore, MD, USA.
Bonutti
Peter M
PM
Seyler
Thorsten M
TM
Marker
David R
DR
Morrey
Bernard F
BF
Mont
Michael A
MA
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003286:Contracture / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D004867:Equipment Design; D004869:Equipment Safety; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009126:Muscle Relaxation; D052580:Muscle Stretching Exercises / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D009989:Orthotic Devices; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology*; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013312:Stress, Physiological; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult; D000092464:Elbow Injuries