Elbow Arthroscopy Rehabilitation Protocol

Post-operative Rehabilitation for Osteochondral Defects Requiring Microfracture, and Removal of Loose Bodies Without Extensive Capsular Release

The goals of rehabilitation are to primarily maintain range of motion, reduce swelling and pain, strength maintenance and return to functional activity as able.

 

Phase 1: 0 – 14 days post operatively

Goals

Reduce swelling and pain, maintain range of motion

Action

  • Rest, ice, compression in the direct post-operative period for 72 hours

  • Early Active range of motion exercises for flexion, extension, pronation, and supination. These may begin immediately post operatively

 

Phase 2 : 14 days to 6 weeks post operatively

Goals

Maintain elbow range of motion, strengthening and endurance

Action

  • Begin with strengthening regime including grip strength, pronation supination, flexion and extension strength as tolerated

  • In cases of microfracture then light loading up to 3 kilograms for the first 6 weeks

  • Gentle functional activities begin at week 4 post operatively

Phase 3: 6 weeks post-operative onwards

Goals

Maintain range of motion, improve strength and return to sporting activity and functional activates

Action

  • Loading as tolerated

    • Increase strengthening though range

  • Gradual return to sport-oriented training – for capitellar OCD’s with microfracture avoid villagizing loading out to 3 months

Phase 4: Return to full activity

Goals

Pain free return to full activity including sports

Prerequisite for return to full sporting activity is:

  • Nearing full range of motion in comparison to non-injured elbow

  • Strength greater than 90% of non-injured arm and hand

  • All training activity without pain and swelling