Compensatory Motion in the Upper Extremity After Elbow Arthrodesis

Ten healthy male subjects were asked to complete a series of tasks that represent normal elbow function. They were then fitted with a custom adjustable brace that simulated elbow arthrodesis at 50 degrees, 70 degrees, 90 degrees, and 110 degrees flexion and asked to repeat the tasks. The 3 Space Isotrak system was used to measure shoulder motion; a triaxial wrist goniometer was used to measure wrist compensation; and all subjects were videotaped to qualitatively observe other compensatory motion. Unlike other joints, elbow arthrodesis at any angle results in a significant impairment, since the adjacent shoulder and wrist joints cannot compensate to allow completion of activities.