Journal of shoulder and elbow surgery
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J Shoulder Elbow Surg · Aug 2013
Review Meta AnalysisEffectiveness of bracing in the treatment of nonosseous restriction of elbow mobility: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 13 studies.
Restriction of elbow mobility is a very frequent complaint after trauma or surgery. The objective of this study was to assess and compare the effectiveness of dynamic, static, or static-progressive bracing in patients with elbow stiffness of traumatic or postoperative origin and without evidence of ossification. For the purpose of this study, effectiveness was measured as the increase in total range of motion, as well as extension and flexion. ⋯ The current evidence strongly supports the use of static-progressive stretching 3 times 30 minutes per day in each direction as a first line of treatment in patients with post-traumatic and postsurgical elbow stiffness. If this treatment fails or if reasons for stiffness other than soft-tissue incompliance are identified, further surgical interventions should be considered.