The elbow is a complex joint that represents a combination of the humerus and the two forearm bones, radius (radius) and the elbow (ulna) bones. Together with other arms joints it performs specific, complex movements, and it’s function is essential in activities of daily living. Around the elbow joint, or next to him are a joint capsule, ligaments, tendons, muscles, blood vessels and nerves. Damage to the soft structures can create more complex injury with a variety of consequences, such as local and remote pain, weakness, reduced muscle strength, numbness and others.
Fracture of bone structure in the elbow joint is a common injury, and may be a result of trauma caused by traffic accidents, sports injuries, falls on the elbow or on the outstretched hand. Depending on the complexity of the fracture, initially in mild cases is done only immobilization of the hand, while in more serious cases resort to surgery as osteosynthesis or operational merger of bone fragments.
Reduced mobility elbow affects functional and work capacity which is referred to other aspects of life.
The most common signs of the elbow fracture are pain in the elbow, upper arm and forearm, swelling, bruising, or inability to elbow motion, the appearance of deformity about the elbow. In fractures of the elbow, it is important to contact your doctor immediately in order to prevent the occurrence of serious consequences.
Upon completion of the surgical treatment and immobilization, we continue with the conservative approach with a physiotherapist. With physiotherapeutic assessment and progress plan and program of therapy begins the therapeutic process. This includes the application of therapeutic methods aimed at complete rehabilitation of the elbow, and other body segments that are affected by reducing the movement of joints immobilization and increased load.
Physical therapy will be directed to reduce swelling around the joints, increase flexibility neck, shoulders, wrists all, improve circulation, trophic muscle (muscle strengthening), the function of peripheral nerves, as well as global stability and functionality of the hand. Damage and lesions of other structures must also include conservative therapy (ligaments, tendons, muscles, fascia, nerves, scar tissue, etc.), and consequently compromised posture of the body.
The treatment after elbow fracture involves the use of various manual therapy approaches (manual lymphatic drainage, mobilization techniques), Kinesiotaping (therapy strips), electrotherapy procedure (diadynamic, ultra, interfering galvanic, magnetic, etc.), and medical gymnastics.
In order to meet the therapeutic goals, the average duration of conservative physiotherapy treatment should be 2-3 months. In severe cases the therapeutic course is slightly longer.
Regular attendance at physical therapy allows the realization of therapeutic goals. This prevents complications and consequences that can significantly affect the quality of life.
After therapy, you must implement self-therapy lessons learned from the physical therapist, to maintain joint mobility, muscle strength and function of the affected hand.