Rehabilitation of two-part fractures of the neck of the humerus (two-year follow-up).
The 2-year results of a randomized, prospective, controlled trial of minimally displaced proximal humeral fractures treated either by immediate physiotherapy (group A) or after 3 weeks of immobilization (group B) are reported. At 1 year shoulder disability, as measured with the Croft shoulder disability questionnaire, was found in 42.8% of patients in group A and 72.5% in group B (P < .01). By 2 years, shoulder disability in group A remained unchanged (43.2%) but had reduced in group B (59.5%). This difference was not statistically significant. Immediate physiotherapy after a minimally displaced proximal humeral fracture results in faster recovery, with maximal functional benefit being achieved at 1 year. Delayed rehabilitation by 3 weeks of shoulder immobilization produces a slower recovery, which continues for at least 2 years after the time of injury.
Hodgson
S A
SA
Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, England. s.s.hodgson@shu.ac.uk
Mawson
S J
SJ
Saxton
J M
JM
Stanley
D
D
D000368:Aged; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007103:Immobilization; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012784:Shoulder Fractures / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D013997:Time Factors