Advertisement for orthosearch.org.uk
Results 1 - 1 of 1
Results per page:
Applied filters
Content I can access

Include Proceedings
Dates
Year From

Year To
Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 86-B, Issue SUPP_III | Pages 289 - 289
1 Mar 2004
Rajesh N Liow R Cregan A Montgomery R
Full Access

Aims: To compare two protocols of early mobilisation for minimally displaced radial head fractures through a single-blinded, prospective randomised trial. Methods: Sixty patients were randomly allocated to either immediate active mobilisation or 5-day delay before active mobilisation was commenced. Patients were reviewed at 7 days, 4 weeks and 3 months after injuries. A blinded observer assessed each patient. Results: All fractures united by the third month. At the end of 7days, the mobilisation group had less pain (VAS 6 vs 7.6, p=0.002); greater ßexion (mean 112û vs 98û, p=0.0004); greater strength in supination (p< 0.001) and better elbow function (Morrey Score 54 vs 43, p=0.005). By the fourth week, both groups were comparable in all parameters and improvement continued into the third month. Mean limit of extension at the third month were 2.3û in the immediate mobilisation group and 1.8û in the delayed group (NS). All had excellent function on the basis of the Morrey Score. Conclusions: Immediate mobilisation did not adversely affect the outcome; the patients had less pain and better elbow function at one week post-injury. Pain, ranges of movement and function were similar by the fourth week post-injury.