Return to sports after plate fixation of humeral head fractures 65 cases with minimum 24-month follow-up

Abstract

BackgroundHumeral head fractures requiring surgical intervention are severe injuries, which might affect the return to sports and daily activities. We hypothesize that athletic patients will be constrained regarding their sporting activities after surgically treated humeral head fractures. Despite a long rehabilitation program physical activities will change and an avoidance of overhead activities will be noticed.MethodsCase series with 65 Patients, with a minimum follow-up of 24 months participated in this study. All patients were treated using a locking plate fixation. Their sporting activity was investigated at the time of the injury and re-investigated after an average of 3.83 years. The questionnaire setup included the evaluation of shoulder function, sporting activities, intensity, sport level and frequency evaluation. Level of evidence IV.ResultsAt the time of injury 61 Patients (94%) were engaged in recreational sporting activities. The number of sporting activities declined from 26 to 23 at the follow-up examination. There was also a decline in sports frequency and duration of sports activities.ConclusionThe majority of patients remains active in their recreational sporting activity at a comparable duration and frequency both pre- and postoperatively. Nevertheless, shoulder centered sport activities including golf, water skiing and martial arts declined or were given up.

Management of injuries in snowboarders: rehabilitation and return to activity

“…Whether treated operatively or nonoperatively, the patient may begin finger and wrist range of motion immediately, as well as shoulder pendulums. 19 Patients treated operatively should avoid more than 90° of shoulder abduction and active range of motion for 6 weeks postoperatively. 19 At 6 weeks, whether treated operatively or nonoperatively, a repeat X-ray is taken, and if radiographic healing is present, the patient may begin unrestricted range-of-motion exercises.…”

“… 19 Patients treated operatively should avoid more than 90° of shoulder abduction and active range of motion for 6 weeks postoperatively. 19 At 6 weeks, whether treated operatively or nonoperatively, a repeat X-ray is taken, and if radiographic healing is present, the patient may begin unrestricted range-of-motion exercises. At 10 weeks, patients may begin shoulder strengthening and scapular stabilization.…”

Proximal Humerus Fractures: What Alignment is Acceptable in Children 10 and Up?

“…This question has not been answered even in the adult literature. Ahrens et al found that adults with proximal humerus fractures who were treated with open reduction internal fixation often decreased participation in shoulder-centric sports 22. However, it is reasonable to think that the demands for an anatomic alignment in the adolescent athlete participating in a shoulder-centric sport is greater than average and could be a consideration to raise during a patient and family-oriented preoperative discussion.…”