TITLE:
Rehabilitation Including Manual Therapy Management Following Complicated Immobilized Radial Head Fracture and Elbow Stiffness: A Case Report
AUTHORS:
M. D. Stump, P. S. Sizer, J. M. Brismée
KEYWORDS:
Radius Fracture, Musculoskeletal Manipulations, Rehabilitation, Elbow, Contracture
JOURNAL NAME:
International Journal of Clinical Medicine,
Vol.5 No.9,
April
25,
2014
ABSTRACT: Radial head
fractures are one of the most common fractures of the elbow and typically occur
after a fall on an outstretched arm. When the fracture is displaced,
unfavorable outcomes can occur and lead to early arthritis. Additionally, elbow
pain and stiffness due to immobilization or surgical reduction and
stabilization typically ensues and can limit one’s overall upper extremity
function. Rehabilitation following such a fracture can be challenging and the
inclusion of manual therapy in the management process has not been described to
date in the literature. Therefore, the aim of this case report is to present
the evaluation and treatment of a 40-year-old female following a complicated
radial head fracture. The rehabilitation conducted over a four-month course is
discussed and the benefits of joint specific manual therapy in the
rehabilitation are highlighted.