2017
Early mobilisation versus plaster immobilisation of simple elbow dislocations: Results of the FuncSiE multicentre randomised clinical trial
Publication
Publication
British Journal of Sports Medicine: an international peer-reviewed journal of sport and exercise medicine , Volume 51 - Issue 6 p. 531- 538
Background/aim To compare outcome of early mobilisation and plaster immobilisation in patients with a simple elbow dislocation. We hypothesised that early mobilisation would result in earlier functional recovery. Methods From August 2009 to September 2012, 100 adult patients with a simple elbow dislocation were enrolled in this multicentre randomised controlled trial. Patients were randomised to early mobilisation (n=48) or 3 weeks plaster immobilisation (n=52). Primary outcome measure was the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (Quick-DASH) score. Secondary outcomes were the Oxford Elbow Score, Mayo Elbow Performance Index, pain, range of motion, complications and activity resumption. Patients were followed for 1 year. Results Quick-DASH scores at 1 year were 4.0 (95% CI 0.9 to 7.1) points in the early mobilisation group versus 4.2 (95% CI 1.2 to 7.2) in the plaster immobilisation group. At 6 weeks, early mobilised patients reported less disability (Quick-DASH 12 (95% CI 9 to 15) points vs 19 (95% CI 16 to 22); p<0.05) and had a larger arc of flexion and extension (121° (95% CI 115° to 127°) vs 102° (95% CI 96° to 108°); p<0.05). Patients returned to work sooner after early mobilisation (10 vs 18 days; p=0.020). Complications occurred in 12 patients; this was unrelated to treatment. No recurrent dislocations occurred. Conclusions Early active mobilisation is a safe and effective treatment for simple elbow dislocations. Patients recovered faster and returned to work earlier without increasing the complication rate. No evidence was found supporting treatment benefit at 1 year.
Additional Metadata | |
---|---|
doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2015-094704, hdl.handle.net/1765/78731 | |
Surgery and Traumatology | |
British Journal of Sports Medicine: an international peer-reviewed journal of sport and exercise medicine | |
Organisation | Department of Surgery |
Iordens, G., van Lieshout, E., Schep, N., de Haan, J., Tuinebreijer, W., Eygendaal, D., … Willems, J. (2017). Early mobilisation versus plaster immobilisation of simple elbow dislocations: Results of the FuncSiE multicentre randomised clinical trial. British Journal of Sports Medicine: an international peer-reviewed journal of sport and exercise medicine, 51(6), 531–538. doi:10.1136/bjsports-2015-094704 |