Rehabilitation of the Unstable Elbow: Concepts to
Maximize Outcomes (Recorded Webinar)

Video Runtime: 57 Minutes; Learning Assessment Time: 21 Minutes

The elbow is a congruous joint with a high degree of inherent stability provided by osseous and soft tissue constraints. Despite this, it remains the second-most dislocated major joint in adults. If not optimally managed, this injury can result in persistent instability, stiffness, pain, and early. This webinar offers a comprehensive exploration of evidence-informed rehabilitation strategies when managing elbow instability. Participants will gain an in-depth understanding of elbow anatomy and biomechanics. We will also review the pathophysiology of elbow instability, identifying common causes including both ligamentous injuries and fracture-dislocations. The core of this webinar focuses on creating individualized rehabilitation programs designed to restore motion, strength, and stability. Orthotic principles and interventions to maximize elbow and forearm motion in the presence of stiffness will also be discussed. By the end of this webinar, participants will have the knowledge to design and implement comprehensive rehabilitation programs that will optimize outcomes for patients with elbow instability.

Learning Objectives

• Distinguish the key components from elbow anatomy and biomechanics that contribute to elbow instability
• Implement individualized early motion rehabilitation programs based on the type of elbow instability and the various structures involved to facilitate a patient’s return to meaningful occupations
• Plan a rehabilitation program that addresses the radiographic drop and its therapeutic implications
• Determine at what phase of rehabilitation a static or a hinged static progressive elbow flexion orthosis can be implemented to enhance elbow flexion
• Design a program to strengthen the dynamic elbow stabilizers to be used during phase 3 of rehabilitation