Functional orthosis for medial collateral ligament lesion of the elbow joint in football players: case report

Abstract

This study was performed to determine the effects of functional orthosis in treatment of the medial collateral ligament lesion of the elbow joint resulting from falling in football players. Two football players had unilateral medial collateral ligament lesion were studied. The patients recommended using a static elbow orthosis (low-temperature thermoplastic at 90 degrees flexion and mid position) for 2 weeks after injury. At the end of second week, a part of the static orthosis near by the center of the elbow joint of the patients was cut and then a mechanic joint was placed allowing active movements. The patients asked to follow a home program consisted of hot-packed application and isometric exercises. At the end of 4th and 6th weeks, we measured range of motion and muscle strengths of elbow joint. The patients were evaluated in terms of circumferential measurements, elbow carrying angle, daily living activities, and pain intensity. The results of this study showed that using a static elbow orthosis led to positive improvements after the medial collateral ligament lesion of the elbow joint in football players.

Key words:

elbow joint, medial collateral ligament, football players, functional orthosis.