Elbow dislocations must be managed with similar treatment protocols as per fractures due to the extensive damaged that occurs during total joint separation. (Joint reduction should be performed prior to any treatment intervention). There are two common elbow dislocations: Radial head and Posterior Ulna dislocations.
Mechanism of Dysfunction
The predisposing factors for the development of this condition began with a misalignment dysfunction at the elbow complex, which overtime causes the soft tissue ligamentous, muscle and cartilage to become overloaded and compromised allowing the biomechanical stress to gradually reach the level of the bone and resulting in the development of fractures.
Is important to note that for the bone to become injured, the previous defence mechanisms have to have failed to allow the biomechanical stress to damage the bone, therefore, the treatment care must aim to restore the health of the entire ankle/foot protective structures.
Assessment Protocol
The entire lower extremity biomechanical chain must be evaluated as part of the Elbow analyses as per the neurological and mechanical influences of the spine, shoulder, and hand.
Clinical assessment to identify the potential area of the fracture, identify the key joint dysfunctions of the elbow that have contributed to this condition. Soft tissue analysis to pinpoint the level of irritation in all tissue layers. Check the level of vascularity.
X-ray analysis
Anterior – Posterior (AP) and Lateral elbow Xray views are essential for proper diagnosing and evaluating potential fracture sites at the humerus, ulna and radial as well as the overall alignment.
MRI
Elbow MRI is essential for visualizing the extent of injury on the muscle/tendon, Ligamentous and cartilage and bone
Locate the exact injury point; Allows the treatment to be more specific during the application of the treatment modalities.
Identify the extent of tissue damage and the presence of scar tissue; Provides valuable information regarding prognosis and the application of friction soft tissue modalities to aid on scar tissue removal.
Evaluate the fracture site
Treatment protocol
The treatment care should aim to restore the Elbow alignment, the soft tissue muscles/tendon and ligamentous health as well as stimulating and remodelling the cartilage growth and bone repair
Specific adjustments of key bones of the elbow complex followed by a rehabilitation regime to strengthen the entire soft tissue support of the elbow
Fracture site must be healing prior to correcting the misalignments
Soft tissue, cartilage and bone healing protocol
Application of Low-level Laser and PEMF directly over the injured tissues to aid on the cellular level of healing as well as improving the microcirculation for the area.
Friction soft tissue therapy helps to reduce dysfunctional scar tissue
Specific stretches and strengthening to improve the resilient of the soft tissue support
Specific selected essential oil application to enhance healing
Dry Needling to promotes blood flow and enhance the soft tissue and cartilage healing.
Depending on the level injury and chronicity, a minimum of 6 weeks up to 12 weeks of treatment care may be necessary to resolve this condition.
