Publication: 22(952):1-7. French. doi: 10.53738/REVMED.2026.22.952.e47101
Co-authors: Carré J, Rivera M, Cunningham G.
Abstract:
Upper limb injuries are common and account for a significant number of emergency department and primary care consultations. While surgery for these injuries is well-documented, nonoperative treatments, particularly the optimal duration of immobilization, remain understudied. These durations are often based on institutional dogma rather than scientific evidence, which have gone unchallenged for years. However, prolonged immobilization can lead to increased morbidity or even complications for patients. The aim of this systematic literature review is to update the recommendations regarding optimal immobilization durations for the most common shoulder and elbow injuries, in order to provide guidelines for primary care and emergency medicine.