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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