Treatment of limited shoulder motion using an elevation splint

Abstract

This article describes the management of a patient with limited shoulder range of motion (ROM) by use of an elevation splint. The limited ROM was believed to be due to structural changes in the tissues surrounding the glenohumeral joint following a Magnuson-Stack repair for anterior glenohumeral instability. The patient's ROM plateaued approximately 6 months postoperatively and did not improve with a variety of physical therapy techniques. Use of an inexpensive, easily fabricated elevation splint was begun 8 months postoperatively, and subsequent improvements in ROM were observed. The rationale and suggestions for clinical use of the splint are discussed.