Complex Elbow Injuries Part 2: Treatment Considerations

After a comprehensive evaluation of the traumatic/complex elbow is performed, therapists must implement therapeutic interventions that are appropriate based on the stage of wound healing the patient is in. Therapists must also use clinical reasoning to modify treatments according to patient factors and clinical presentation. Evidence-based decisions, along with critical reasoning throughout all stages of rehabilitation, are essential to maximize return to meaningful occupation. This course will provide treatment ideas based on the stages of wound healing and the patient's presentation, with emphasis on client-centered care. Therapeutic exercises, ADL training, manual interventions, and orthosis use are some areas that will be addressed. Lastly, as therapists play a vital role in whether or not patients adhere to their home programs and post-operative restrictions, suggestions to increase patient adherence will be introduced to maximize functional outcomes and patient satisfaction. In the literature, various terms are used to describe complex traumatic injuries. Due to this variability, the injuries in this course will address those that are a result of trauma that involves damage to two or more of the following structures: soft tissue (skin/fascia), bone, muscle, tendon, ligament, blood vessels, and peripheral nerve injuries.