Purpose: To report the results of using an overhead motion protocol in 27 patients and to assess final range of motion and incidence of persistent instability in this cohort.
Methods: A total of 27 patients were included who sustained a simple elbow dislocation and were treated nonsurgically with an overhead motion protocol designed to convert gravity from a distracting to a stabilizing force. Motion was initiated within 1 week of injury and average follow-up was 29 months. Final arc of motion and prevalence of instability were the primary outcomes measures.
Results: Final mean arc of extension to flexion was from 6° to 137°, and of pronation to supination was from 87° to 86°. No recurrent instability was observed in this cohort and all patients were fully functional and without limitations at latest follow-up.
Conclusions: The overhead motion protocol was a reliable rehabilitation program after elbow dislocation that allowed for controlled early motion by placing the elbow in an inherently stable position. Prompt initiation of motion in a protected position can optimize final motion and satisfaction outcomes, and when done in a mechanically advantageous position it can potentially limit the risk of recurrent instability.
Type of study/level of evidence: Therapeutic IV.
Keywords: Elbow dislocation; overhead motion; rehabilitation.
Copyright © 2015 American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.