KINESITHERAPY AFTER ARTHROSCOPIC TREATMENT OF THE ELBOW CONTRACTURE IN ATHLETE – CLINICAL CASE
Keywords:
elbow joint, arthroscopy, kinesitherapy, athlete, contractureAbstract
Pathological changes in the elbow joint affect the overall function of an upper extremity, and this makes it difficult to carry out activities of daily life, practice sports, and perform physical labor. Posttraumatic contracture is a common complication after elbow trauma. Arthroscopy has been indicated to improve range of motion of the elbow joint in posttraumatic contractures, and good results have been reported. The aim of this report is to present the effect of the developed kinesitherapy program on the functional recovery of an athlete after arthroscopic treatment of posttraumatic contracture of the elbow joint. A clinical case of a 24-year-old professional kickboxing athlete treated arthroscopically is presented. To report the results of the kinesitherapy program, the following methods were used: centimeter, goniometry, manual muscle testing (MMT), pain examination using the visual-analog scale and complex evaluation of the functional capabilities of the elbow joint using the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS). The duration of follow-up was 6 months, with results reported on the seventh postoperative day, the first month, the third month, and the sixth month. The specialized kinesitherapy program included deep oscillation, cryotherapy, active and active-assisted exercises, Thera band and Flex Bar exercises, mobilization techniques, PNF exercises and techniques, kinesio taping applications, activities of daily living and underwater gymnastics. The results of the study show a full functional recovery of the patient and his return to sports activity. At the end of the first month, the patient has no pain, full range of motion, no swelling in the elbow joint area, no weakness of the muscles related to elbow joint movements. The comprehensive evaluation of the functional capabilities of the elbow joint through the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) gives an excellent result. Arthroscopic treatment of post-traumatic elbow contracture in athletes is a safe and reliable treatment that enables early rehabilitation, minimizes the risk of complications and the athlete returns to professional sports more quickly. The presented clinical case shows the effectiveness of the developed kinesitherapy program.
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