Does Early Continuous Passive Motion Improves Effectiveness of Physical Therapy after Arthroscopic Release of Elbow Contracture: A Prospective Randomized Trial

Abstract

Objective The aim of the study is to investigate the effectiveness of early continuous passive motion combined with physical therapy compared to physical therapy alone as the rehabilitation protocol after the release of elbow contracture. Design In this randomized controlled trial, 61 patients were randomly assigned to two groups (31 in the early continuous passive motion with physical therapy group vs. 30 in the physical therapy group). The patients received rehabilitation with or without early continuous passive motion for 4 wks and were followed up for 6 mos. The outcome measures were the range of motion and Mayo Elbow Performance Score. Results The early continuous passive motion with physical therapy group demonstrated statistically significant improvements in range of motion and the Mayo Elbow Performance Score compared with the physical therapy group at 6 wks, 3 mos, and 6 mos postoperatively. These differences were not observed in the stability subscale of the Mayo Elbow Performance Score at any of the assessed time points, nor in its pain subscale at 6 mos. Conclusions Compared with physical therapy alone, early continuous passive motion combined with physical therapy enabled a quicker recovery of functional elbow motion and early pain control within the 6-mo follow-up after arthroscopic release of elbow contracture.