TREATMENT OF POSTTRAUMATIC FIXED FLEXION DEFORMITY OF THE ELBOW USINGAN INTERMITTENT COMPRESSION GARMENT

This prospective study evaluated the use of the Flowtron intermittent compression garment on 16 patients with stable, resistant, post-trauma tic fixed flexion deformity of the elbow. There was a statistically si gnificant reduction of the deformity within 12 weeks. The mean correct ion obtained was 26-degrees, and in seven patients (44 per cent) full extension was achieved. Maximum flexion showed an average increase of 18-degrees. No relapse of the deformity was observed 2 months after th e end of treatment. The use of the Flowtron garment is an effective, s afe and simple procedure that can be carried out in the home setting.