Simple posterior elbow dislocations are often being treated with strict immobilization after reduction. We performed a study in order to investigate if a functional protocol of rehabilitation, allowing early motion, would be more effective.

We prospectively followed twenty five consecutive patients for simple posterior elbow dislocation in a non-randomized study. Patients were divided in two groups. Group A (twelve cases) was treated with immobilization using a cast in 90 degrees of flexion and neutral rotation for three weeks. Group B (thirteen cases) was treated according to a functional rehabilitation program that allowed early controlled mobilization starting on the 2nd post-traumatic day, consisting of immediate flexion from 90° and gradual extension after the 2nd week. Follow-up of the patients was recorded at six weeks and three months. The functional scores used were Mayo Clinic Performance Index, Liverpool Elbow score and Broberg and Morey.

None of the patients had an incident of redislocation. Patients of group B had statistically significant better (p< 0.05) functional scores at six weeks and better no statistically significant in three months: group B/group A: Mayo: 91.6/65.5, Liverpool: 8.8/6.1, Broberg and Morey: 89.1/73.3.

It seems that a functional rehabilitation program gives the same result in terms of stability offering at the same time patients a better range of motion and functional score at least at six weeks and three months.