Non-Operative — Elbow Dislocation Rehabilitation

Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Specialists (OSMS)

Weight-Bearing

N/A (non-operative)

Key Restrictions

No lifting, pushing, or pulling in Phase I; no aggressive stretching into elbow extension in Phase I; brace progressed per medical provider

Timeline & Phases

Phase I (0-6 wks): protect healing joint, decrease effusion/edema/pain, elbow brace per provider, no limitation with flexion but gradual progress to full extension, no aggressive extension stretching, pronation/supination as tolerated, light putty grip exercises, scapulothoracic strengthening, submax isometrics of triceps/biceps/brachialis in neutral, overhead supine active ROM, modalities (e-stim, ultrasound, hot/cold) as needed, goals: 115 deg flexion, extension within 10 deg of full; Phase II (6-12 wks): discontinue brace per provider, AROM/PROM without restriction, lifting restriction lifted/increased per provider, elbow flexion/triceps extension/pronation-supination isotonic strengthening, scapulothoracic and rotator cuff strengthening, wrist/hand exercises, gripping, wall-to-standard push-ups, biceps curls, triceps extensions, functional pushing/pulling/lifting per job/home demands, goals: 5/5 strength, 135 deg flexion, 0 deg extension; Phase III (12+ wks): functional strengthening

Notes

OSMS Rehabilitation Guidelines; non-operative management; expected return to work: sedentary/cognitive 1-2 wks, light manual 4-6 wks, heavy manual 8-10 wks; cites Amis, Dowson & Wright (1980) on isometric compressive forces and Wolfe & Hotchkiss (2006) on overhead positioning reducing humeroulnar distraction