Manufactured brace modalities for elbow stiffness

Multiple surgical and nonsurgical treatment options exist for patients with elbow stiffness. Many nonsurgical mobilization bracing options have been implemented to increase elbow range of motion. Three of the main bracing options for these patients are turnbuckle, static progressive stretch, and dynamic bracing. The purpose of this study was to review the current literature on turnbuckle, static progressive stretch, and dynamic bracing to provide information for practitioners and patients regarding which brace is more appropriate to use for elbow stiffness. Specifically, the authors compared the protocol and duration of splint use and changes in range of motion outcomes between static progressive and dynamic brace cohorts. A search of PubMed yielded 8 studies meeting inclusion criteria. Overall, although all 3 bracing options are available for patients, these studies found that, based on the evaluated metrics, the static progressive brace was a markedly superior option for patients with elbow stiffness. The time required to wear the static progressive stretch brace was 13 times less than that for the turnbuckle and 5 times less than that for the dynamic devices. Additionally, the high failure rate (10%) and low success rate (29%) of the dynamic brace, compared with the 63% regaining of functional range of motion in the static progressive stretch group, further highlight the benefits of the static progressive stretch brace.