Medical Science
Volume 24, Issue 103, May - June, 2020
Rehabilitation of compound elbow fracture, brachial artery injury with median and ulnar nerve neuropathy: A case report
Palak P. Darda1, Simran A. Mishra1, Waqar M. Naqvi2♦, Arti Sahu1
1Ravi Nair Physiotherapy College, Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences, Wardha, Maharashtra, India
2Professor and Head of Department, Community Health Physiotherapy, Ravi Nair Physiotherapy College, Wardha, Maharashtra, India
♦Corresponding author
Professor and Head of Department, Community Health Physiotherapy, Ravi Nair Physiotherapy College, Wardha,
Maharashtra, India;
Email: waqar.naqvi@dmimsu.edu.in
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Elbow is a complex joint which acts as a connection for mobility and stability in the lever arm system. It is the second
most frequently dislocated joint known in medical sciences. Median and Ulnar nerve damage was found to be rare with elbow
fracture which makes this case unique. Physical therapy has been found to be beneficial in post-fracture and post-surgical cases to
improve patient function and quality of life. Patient main concerns were pain in upper extremity with loss of strength, power and
range of motion. Main clinical findings found in this case were severe reduction in of range of motion in elbow joint, shoulder, wrist
joint and hand. Reduced strength in upper extremity muscles and reduced superficial sensation over C5, C6, C7 and C8 in affected
extremity (right). Diagnosis of the case was Compound Elbow Fracture that was confirmed by X-Ray, Brachial artery injury confirmed
on Doppler and nerve injury confirmed by Nerve Conduction Velocity. Therapeutic interventions are found to be beneficial in these
type cases. Physical therapy intervention includes range of motion exercise, strengthening exercises, endurance training, sensory reeducation,
Muscle Energy Techniques (MET), mobilisation techniques and modalities such as TENS, ultrasound to reduce pain and
Electrical Muscle stimulator to improve function of muscles. Conclusion: The patient was able to achieve 5/6 activities of daily living
and gain functional range of motion after continuous 12 weeks of intensive systematic physiotherapy treatment program.
Keywords: Compound Elbow Fracture, Median and Ulnar nerve Neuropathy, Brachial artery injury
Medical Science, 2020, 24(103), 1641-1648
