Early versus late range of motion following cubital tunnel surgery

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of early versus late range of motion exercises following cubital tunnel release and medial epicondylectomy. Fifty-seven consecutive cases were studied and divided into two groups. Physical therapy consisting of active and passive range of motion exercises was started 14 days postoperatively for the first group and 3 days postoperatively for the second group. Fifty-two percent of the patients in group 1 sustained flexion contractures of more than 5 degrees compared with only 4% of the patients in group 2. Early initiation of therapy did not adversely affect the grip strength and/or other functions of the upper extremity, and the patients in group 2 returned to work sooner than the patients in group 1 (in fact, in half the time). Institution of range of motion exercises immediately postoperatively is more effective in preventing flexion contractures of the elbow than is delayed treatment.