Question
On June 13, 2012, I was injured while playing skateboarding, resulting in a fracture of the upper humerus with epiphyseal damage on my right hand. That evening, I received manual reduction and cast immobilization. A week later, due to displacement, I underwent traction reduction and plate fixation again. One month later, the plate was removed and recovery training began. Now, five months later, although extension is normal, flexion only reaches 110 degrees. I would like to know how to proceed with further recovery training to improve the flexion angle.
Answer
In fracture treatment, the three basic principles of reduction, fixation, and functional training are very important. Early and systematic functional training not only maintains normal physiological function, promotes fracture healing, and prevents functional impairment of the unharmed joint but also prevents permanent functional impairment caused by muscle adhesion, joint stiffness, and muscle atrophy. This maximizes the recovery of the patient’s limb function and avoids muscle atrophy and joint contracture due to disuse.