Our Summary
This study looked into how effective two different types of supports (rigid tape and a hinged external fixation brace) were in helping people recover after having surgery on a specific type of elbow injury. They divided 60 patients into two groups, one using the rigid tape and the other using the brace. Both groups followed a general rehabilitation program for three months and were tracked for six months.
The researchers checked how much pain the patients were in, how strong their muscles were, how much they could move their elbow, how well their elbow was functioning, and their quality of life. Both the rigid tape and the brace were found to significantly improve the patients’ elbow function after surgery. However, starting rehabilitation early could increase pain, which could temporarily affect elbow function and quality of life.
The muscle strength and range of motion were not negatively affected by this increased pain and continued to improve. Importantly, the patients using the rigid tape experienced slightly better results and recovered more quickly than those using the brace.
FAQs
- What types of supports were compared in this study for post-surgery recovery on elbow injuries?
- How did the early start of rehabilitation affect the patients’ elbow function and quality of life?
- Which support, the rigid tape or brace, showed better results in terms of patient recovery speed?
Doctor’s Tip
Therefore, a helpful tip a doctor might give a patient undergoing elbow surgery is to consider using rigid tape as a support during the rehabilitation process. This can potentially lead to quicker recovery and improved elbow function compared to using a hinged external fixation brace. It is also important to be prepared for some increased pain during the early stages of rehabilitation, but know that it should not negatively impact muscle strength or range of motion in the long run. Consistent participation in the rehabilitation program and following your doctor’s recommendations are key to a successful recovery after elbow surgery.
Suitable For
Patients who typically undergo elbow surgery include those with:
- Fractures of the elbow joint or surrounding bones
- Dislocations of the elbow
- Tendon injuries, such as tendon tears or ruptures
- Ligament injuries, such as sprains or tears
- Arthritis in the elbow joint
- Chronic elbow pain or instability
In these cases, surgery may be recommended to repair or reconstruct damaged structures in the elbow joint, improve stability, and alleviate pain. Physical therapy and rehabilitation are important components of the recovery process after elbow surgery to restore strength, range of motion, and function to the affected arm.
Timeline
Before elbow surgery, a patient may experience pain, limited range of motion, weakness in the muscles surrounding the elbow, and difficulty performing daily activities. They may have undergone diagnostic tests such as X-rays or MRI scans to determine the extent of the injury and the need for surgery.
After elbow surgery, the patient will likely experience pain and swelling in the affected area. They will be prescribed pain medication and instructed on how to care for their incision site. Physical therapy will be started to help regain strength, range of motion, and function in the elbow. The patient will gradually increase the intensity of their exercises and activities as they progress in their recovery.
Over time, the patient should experience improvements in pain levels, muscle strength, range of motion, and overall function of the elbow. With consistent rehabilitation and follow-up appointments with their healthcare provider, the patient should be able to return to their normal activities and regain quality of life.
What to Ask Your Doctor
Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about elbow surgery include:
- What type of elbow injury do I have and why do I need surgery?
- What are the potential risks and complications associated with this surgery?
- How long is the recovery period expected to be and what can I expect during the rehabilitation process?
- Will I need to use any specific supports or braces after surgery? If so, which type would be best for me?
- How will my pain be managed after surgery and what can I do to help alleviate it?
- What limitations or restrictions will I have during the recovery period?
- How soon can I start physical therapy and what exercises should I do to help with my recovery?
- What are the expected outcomes of the surgery in terms of pain relief, strength, range of motion, and overall function of my elbow?
- How often will I need follow-up appointments to monitor my progress?
- Are there any specific lifestyle changes or modifications I should make to support my recovery?
Reference
Authors: Du S, Wei L, He B, Fang Z, Zhou E, Ma X, Li J. Journal: J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil. 2021;34(6):957-964. doi: 10.3233/BMR-200279. PMID: 34092597