title: Rehabilitation of two-part fractures of the neck of the humerus (two-year follow-up).
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, England. s.s.hodgson@shu.ac.uk
authors.forename: S A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Hodgson
authors.forename: S J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Mawson
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Saxton
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Stanley
mesh_terms: 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