"Rehabilitation following Pinning of an Ulnar Fracture with Radial Head" by Sandra R. Jungwirth

Date of Award

2007

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

Department

Physical Therapy

First Advisor

Peggy Mohr

Keywords

Child; Ulna Fractures -- rehabilitation; Ulna Fractures -- therapy

Abstract

Study design: Case report.

Background and Purpose: Although upper extremity injuries and fractures are common in children, fractures of the ulna with dislocation of the radial head represent a small portion of the upper extremity fractures. The purpose of this case report is to describe the physical therapy intervention of such a fracture-dislocation in a child.

Case Description: The patient was a 6-year-old girl diagnosed with a fracture of the ulna with dislocation of the radial head. She had a pinning of the ulnar fracture. Six and one half weeks after injury, physical therapy was initiated, consisting of 6 visits over a 3-week period. Physical therapy intervention included range of motion and strengthening exercises, manual therapy techniques, and instruction in a home exercise program.

Outcomes: The patient demonstrated improved range of motion, strength, and functional use of her right arm.

Discussion: The use of manual therapy techniques in combination with range of motion and strengthening exercises may lead to beneficial initial effects of elbow range of motion and arm function.

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