Definition
An elbow orthosis is an orthopedic aid that is attached to the outside of the elbow. The elbow orthosis is similar to a scaffold that is intended to stabilize, relieve and correct the elbow and the muscles involved and is usually placed in the case of an injury to the elbow. Elbow orthoses can be made of various materials. As a rule, they are manufactured individually for each patient by a doctor and an orthopedic technician.
Indication – Why do you need an elbow orthosis?
An elbow orthosis can have many uses. The use of an elbow orthosis is particularly popular in sports accidents. Thus the orthoses are suitable for reducing or redistributing loads in the elbow.
The orthosis is effective, for example, if one of the bones of the elbow joint is broken and lifting an object causes pain. This not only accelerates the healing process, but also significantly reduces the pain. Elbow orthoses also primarily serve to immobilize the entire arm.
Furthermore, an elbow orthosis can compensate for muscle weaknesses in the upper and lower arm. The orthosis acts like a scaffold, supports and strengthens the muscles. Another important function is the reduction and stabilization of malpositions in the elbow joint.
Without an elbow orthosis, injuries such as fractures or dislocations can easily be healed by malpositions, the effects of which will be felt for the rest of life. In summary, it can be said that therapy with an elbow orthosis is indispensable for successful healing without permanent damage in case of injuries to the elbow.
- Bursitis of the elbow
- Olecranon fracture
Orthoses are orthopedic aids.
As already mentioned, orthoses support the desired joint like a framework. Normally, the joint also serves to dampen the effects of forces such as those that occur when landing on the feet after a jump or during everyday movements such as running or carrying objects. An orthosis supports this damping effect by diverting mechanical forces to the corresponding joint.
This is intended to protect and relieve an unstable joint, for example after an accident. In addition, an orthosis also serves to immobilize the joint. Due to its design, it prevents certain movements that are not beneficial to the patient. As an example, the hand’s anti-reversing motion lock, which is prevented by the hand support in the case of an elbow orthosis, can be cited here.
