Effect of Occupational Therapy on the Function and Mobility of Elbow Fractures

Supracondylar humerus fracture are common upper extremity injuries in children accounting
for over 400 fractures per year and approximately 25% of all fractures treated at Seattle
Children's Emergency Department. Most of these fractures are treated with splints and casts
though more than one-third undergo surgical fixation followed by casting. Healing is usually
complete after 3-4 weeks, when casts (and pins, if fixed operatively) are removed and motion
begun. Though stiffness is often a problem after immobilization of adult elbow fractures,
stiffness after pediatric elbow fractures is regarded as typically transient. This study
addresses the question "Does early motion of the arm with physiotherapy promote the return
of function and motion in patients with supracondylar humerus fractures?" The investigators
will conduct a prospective randomized trial to determine the effect of six occupational
therapy visits over a five week period of time on elbow function and mobility after
supracondylar humerus fracture. The investigators will measure motion of the elbow and
administer the child and parental Activity Scale for Kids performance versions (ASKp)
assessment tool to answer this question.