Comparison of the range of elbow movement after elbow surgery with immobility in extension and flexion in adults

Abstract

Loss of elbow function is one of the main complications that lead to decreased function. The main reason for this is the decrease in performance in daily affairs, for example in eating or maintaining personal hygiene. The aim of this study was to compare the range of motion of the elbow after elbow surgery with immobilization in extension and flexion in adults. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 100 patients over the age of 18 in two groups were enrolled in the study. Patients were divided into two groups of 50 immobile in extension or flexion based on the type of fixation. The surgery was performed by an orthopedic surgeon and the time of surgery was recorded from the beginning of the incision to the complete closure of the wound in each operation. Immediately after the operation, joint movement began. Examination and recording of range of motion among patients who are splinted with extension splints or flexions; The joint was monitored 1, 3, 4 and 6 weeks after surgery. Results: The mean age of the patients was 38.68±11.71 years. 49% of patients were male and 51% were female. In the present study, no cases of Stiff elbow were observed, and in both of these immobilization methods, in the 6th week, the patients had a range of motion of the joint above 100 degrees. The range of motion of the elbow joint in the first week was 61.20 degrees in the extension group and 56.10 degrees in the flexion group. Elbow range of motion in the sixth week was 111.80 degrees in the extension group and 107.70 degrees in the flexion group. The mean improvement in the range of motion of the elbow joint was 50.60 degrees in the immobility group in the extension and 51.60 degrees in the immobility group in the flexion (p=0.566).