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Physical Therapy on Non-structural Medial Elbow Pain

Not Applicable
Completed
Conditions
Elbow Injuries and Disorders
Neuritis, Brachial
Neuritis, Ulnar
Neuritis; Nerve Root
Neuritis Median Nerve
Registration Number
NCT05537636
Lead Sponsor
Timothy Uhl
Brief Summary

This study is investigating the effect of using a regional interdependence approach of managing non-structural elbow pain with physical therapy.

Detailed Description

Potential patients will be referred for physical therapy with elbow nerve pain arising from a non-structural lesion. We believe by addressing spine and trunk posture and mobility we can relieve elbow pain associated with a nerve compression with physical therapy.

Patients will be put on a staged exercise program to regain spinal mobility and strengthen proximal core musculature and scapular musculature. Manual therapy to facilitate mobility will be incorporated. Patients will undergo standard physical therapy by an unblinded therapist until resolution of symptoms.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
22
Inclusion Criteria
  • The patient presents with elbow pain that is not exacerbated with resisted wrist flexion, extension, supination, or pronation.
  • The patient presents with elbow pain that is not exacerbated with passive wrist flexion or extension.
  • The patient presents with three of the four positive cervical radicular signs
  • Patient presents with peripheral paresthesia
Exclusion Criteria
  • The patient reports a surgical history involving the elbow.
  • The patient has an MRI that is positive for structural deficits within the upper extremity.
  • The patient self-reports a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis or other neurological systemic diseases such as Parkinson's disease, cerebrovascular accident, multiple sclerosis, or similar conditions

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Change in Cervical Range of Motion in extensionBaseline and every 5th visit up to discharge which is estimated to be 3 months on average

Inclinometer measurement of cervical extension

Change in Focus On Therapeutic Outcome (FOTO) Patient Outcme ScoreBaseline and every 5th visit up to discharge which is estimated to be 3 months on average

Patient self-report of perceived level of function. Scores range from 0 = low function, to 100=high function.

Change in Lower Trapezius scapular muscle strengthBaseline and every 5th visit up to discharge which is estimated to be 3 months on average

Objectively measure with hand held dynamometer for scapular retraction

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Change in Elbow Extension Range of Motion in Median Nerve Tension positoinBaseline and every 5th visit up to discharge which is estimated to be 3 months on average

Goniometric measure using a standard plastic goniometer with patient plased In nerve tension position that bias tension on median nerve. The standard upper limb tension test position described by Magee' Orthopaedic Physical Assessment 7th edition. The angle of elbow extension that reproduces symptoms will be recorded. Values will range from 0-150 degrees with a lower numbers indicating less symptoms.

Change in Elbow Flexion Range of Motion in Ulnar Nerve Tension positionBaseline and every 5th visit up to discharge which is estimated to be 3 months on average

Goniometric measure using a standard plastic goniometer with patient plased In nerve tension position that bias tension on ulnar nerve. The standard upper limb tension test position described by Magee' Orthopaedic Physical Assessment 7th edition. The angle of elbow flexion that reproduces symptoms will be recorded. Values will range from 0-150 degrees with a higher numbers indicating less symptoms.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Bluegrass Orthopaedics

🇺🇸

Lexington, Kentucky, United States

Bluegrass Orthopaedics
🇺🇸Lexington, Kentucky, United States

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