How do you fix a proximal humerus fracture?
Proximal humerus fractures can be fixed with plates and screws or joint replacement depending on the type of injury. Surgery usually takes 1-2 hours and can often be done on a “same day” or outpatient basis. Ideally, surgeons like to perform surgery within 1-2 weeks of injury.
Can proximal humerus fracture treated without surgery?
Proximal Humeral Fracture Most fractures of the proximal humerus can be treated without surgery if the bone fragments are not shifted out of position (displaced). If the fragments are shifted out of position, surgery is often performed to allow earlier mobility.
How do you immobilize proximal humerus fracture?
Proximal humerus fractures may be treated nonoperatively with an initial period of immobilization followed by early motion. Initial immobilization may be achieved with a sling, a shoulder immobilizer, or a sling with an accompanying swathe. These devices provide varying degrees of constraint.
Can you move your arm with a proximal humerus fracture?
If you think you have a humerus fracture — or any other broken bone — you need to see a healthcare provider as soon as possible. Go to the emergency room if you experience any of the following: Intense pain. You can’t move your arm like you usually can.
How soon can you drive after a proximal humerus fracture?
After 4-6 weeks you may stop wearing the sling and will be allowed to move the shoulder actively through a greater range. You may resume driving when you have regained control of the arm. This may take anywhere between 8-16 weeks. Strengthening exercises are started after 12 weeks or once the fracture has healed.
How long do you wear a sling after proximal humerus fracture?
One should wear the sling for a minimum of 3 weeks, and a maximum of 6 weeks. Your doctor will determine this. Between 3 to 6 weeks you may trial not wearing the sling- if you are comfortable then you may keep the sling off. If you are getting a lot of pain then you should keep wearing the sling.
How long do I have to wear a sling for a broken humerus?
What are the treatment options for proximal humerus fractures?
Patients with proximal humerus fractures might benefit from this approach. Immobilization for pain relief 1,8 or to allow the head and shaft to move as one 52 often is recommended for the treatment of proximal humerus fractures before starting rehabilitation.
What is the prognosis of proximal humerus fractures?
The occurrence of proximal humerus fractures will continue to rise with the increasing elderly population. Many patients with proximal humerus fractures have osteoporosis and have poor neuromuscular control mechanisms. This predisposes them to future falls and additional fractures.
Which prospective studies are included in the rehabilitation of proximal humerus fractures?
All prospective studies in the rehabilitation of proximal humerus fractures that were treated conservatively were included in the search. The following databases were included in the search strategy: Medline (1980-2005), Cinahl (1982-2005), PEDro (1990-2005), and the National Research Register (United Kingdom).
Is joint mobilization effective in the rehabilitation of proximal humerus fractures?
The only authors to investigate the role of joint mobilization 36 in the rehabilitation of proximal humerus fractures found that patients regained full shoulder function with 1 month of the injury by the use of joint mobilization.