Multi-Center Controlled Trial of Static Progressive Splinting Status Post Elbow Fractures and Dislocations

Fractures and dislocations about the elbow are high energy injuries which are often comminuted and associated with extensive soft tissue damage and are very difficult to treat. The most problematic complication for these fractures is the potential development of a cosmetic defect and functional disability due to the loss of 20 degrees to 30 degrees of terminal extension of the elbow. It has been found imperative that early motion and physical therapy be implemented to help produce the best results in terms of a patient's range of motion and decreases secondary surgeries.

We intend to examine a group of patients with distal humerus and elbow fracture/dislocations who use static stretching braces along with physical therapy (PT) within 3 weeks after surgery, in contrast to physical therapy treatment alone after surgery. The static stretching brace group will have a small electronic circuit attached to the brace that will record patient's usage.

Improvement of patient's overall functional outcome will also be measured by a standard functional outcome instrument, the Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) form. The DASH Form is a standard functional outcome instrument specific to upper extremity injuries. In addition, a more general measure, the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), will be used to assess pain.

The use of the static motion brace may help eliminate the necessity of additional treatments, saving both pain and suffering, as well as monetary costs for the patient, while simultaneously producing a better long term functional and cosmetic outcome.