Proximal Humerus Fracture Rehab Protocol

 

Proximal Humerus Fracture crpp xray

Proximal humerus hemiarthoplasty xray

Proximal humerus ORIF xray

Stable Fracture Unstable Fracture

Stable Proximal Humerus Fracture

  • This protocol is for nondisplaced proximal humerus fractures, or patients stable fractures after surgical fixation.

Goal:  Maintain range of motion (ROM) without displacing the proximal humerus fracture.

  • Due to variable stability of the fracture, check for specifications and precautions ordered by the orthopedist.

Phase I  (0 – 21 days)

  • Begin elbow, wrist and hand active ROM.
  • A sling and swath, or Velpeau with and axillary pad should be used when not doing physical therapy.
  • Begin pendulum exercises (clockwise and counterclockwise).
  • After 7 days, begin supine ER with a cane.  Fifteen to 20 degrees of abduction are permitted if the patient is more comfortable.
  • Establish a home exercise program so patient is performing exercises 3-5 times per day for 30 min. each session.

Phase II (3  - 6 weeks)

  • Begin assisted forward elevation (FE).
  • Perform pulley exercises and teach for home program.
  • Perform isometric exercises for IR, ER, extension, and abduction.

Phase III (7 weeks – 2 months)

  • Begin supine active FE.
  • Progressively increase patient’s position from supine to erect during FE exercises.
  • Use therabands of progressive strengths for IR, ER, flexion, abduction, and extension.  Goal is progressive strengthening of deltoid and rotator cuff.
  • Begin flexibility and stretching exercises to progressively increase ROM in all directions.

Unstable Proximal Humerus Fracture

  • This protocol is for patients with unstable proximal humerus fractures.

Goal:  Maintain ROM without displacing the proximal humerus fracture.

  • Due to variable stability of the fracture, check for specifications and precautions ordered by the orthopedist.

Phase I  (0 to 21 days)

  • Begin elbow, wrist and hand active ROM.
  • A sling and swath, or Velpeau with an axillary pad should be used when not doing physical therapy.
  • After 14 days, begin pendulum exercises (clockwise and counterclockwise).
  • Establish a home exercise program so patient is performing exercises 3-5 times per day for 10 minutes each session.

Phase II (3 to 6 weeks)

  • Begin supine ER with a cane.  Fifteen to 20 degrees of abduction are permitted if the patient is more comfortable.
  • Begin active assisted forward elevation (FE).
  • Perform pulley exercises and teach for home program.
  • Perform isometric exercises for IR, ER, extension, and abduction.

Phase III (7 weeks to 2 months)

  • Begin supine active FE.  Progressively increase patients position from supine to erect during FE exercises.
  • Use Therabands of progressive strengths for IR, ER, anterior, middle and posterior deltoid.
  • Begin flexibility and stretching exercises to progressively increase ROM in all positions (i.e. towel behind back, finger walking up the wall, etc.).