Recovering from shoulder fracture surgery requires a proactive effort from the patient. In this article, we are going to walk through the goals and guidelines for recovery after shoulder fracture repair surgery.
Goals and Guidelines
The goal of shoulder fracture repair surgery is to anatomically reconstruct the proximal humerus and provide stable. The most common problems after shoulder fracture repair surgery are loss of reduction and stiffness. Thus, recovery therapy is tailored to try to prevent these complications. The post-op sling can be removed at home to perform waist level activities. In addition some proximal humeral fractures are associated with axillary nerve palsies. In these cases sling use might be more prolonged.
0-2 weeks Post-Op
- Supine Passive Forward Elevation to full, External Rotation with stick to the side to 30 degrees.
- Pendulums. Active range of motion to elbow and hand.
2-6 weeks Post-Op
- Continue Passive supine forward elevation and external rotation
- Start gently Internal rotation behind back and cross body adduction.
- At the end of the 6 weeks supine range of motion should be 75% of normal.
- Exercises should be performed twice daily.
6-8 weeks Post-Op
- Continue stretching in all planes (FE, ER, and IR).
- Start AAROM with pulley. Patients need a pulley for home use.
- For patients with concomitant nerve palsies, Wedge Assisted Forward Elevation can be initiated.
- Younger patients can start Wall slides.
8-10 weeks Post-Op
- Continue prior exercises.
- Start 4 way Resistance Band Strengthening. Internal rotation behind back stretching, and sleeper stretch.
- Stretching is performed daily and strengthening is every other day.
10-12 weeks Post-Op
- Continue above exercises.
- Add more aggressive stretching in all planes. External rotation stretching at wall.
12-20 weeks Post-Op
- If good range of motion has been obtained the more aggressive strengthening can be started focusing on deltoid and rotator cuff and periscapular musculature.
- Teach HEP for discharge.
