The use of static progressive and serial static orthoses in the management of elbow contractures after complex fracture dislocation injuries: A pediatric case study

Abstract

Introduction: Contractures are the most common complication after traumatic injury to the elbow. Although evidence supporting the use of static progressive and serial static orthoses to help recover range of motion after these complex injuries is growing, there is currently a paucity of literature exploring its efficacy in pediatric populations.

Case description: The following case study presents the results of the use of static progressive and serial static orthoses with a young patient who presented with both elbow extension and flexion contractures after a complex fracture dislocation injury.

Results: A noted and consistent improvement in both elbow extension and flexion can be observed after commencement of the static progressive and serial static orthoses. These results are consistent with the literature exploring the efficacy of these orthoses with adult populations with traumatic elbow injuries.

Discussion: Further studies evaluating the use of static progressive and serial static orthoses in the management of elbow contractures after traumatic injuries in pediatric populations is needed to establish best practices with this particular patient population.

Keywords: Complex elbow trauma; Elbow fracture; Orthosis; Serial static; Static progressive.