Purpose: The purpose of this study is to analyze the anatomo-radiological results, the clinical results, and complications of minimally displaced fractures of the proximal humerus, treated by immediate, ambulatory self-passive mobilization, followed by a strengthening and propioceptive training program.
Materials and Methods: 12 patients, 7 females and 5 males, mean age 56.91 (SD: 15.76) were reviewed retrospectively at a mean of 28.33 months follow-up. All the patients were mobilized the day after the first visit, i.e. the day after the fracture in 7 patients (58.3%), up to 7 days after the fracture in 4 patients and 3 weeks after the fracture in one late referral. Over an average period of 5.8 months, an average 45.41 (SD: 20.83) sessions of rehabilitation, with a therapist, for each patient, were recorded. The patients were recommended to perform four sessions of self rehabilitation a day. Clinical evaluation included a questionnaire covering subjective evaluation, Activities of Daily Living (ADL) by means of the ASA index and the Constant’s score, and type and duration of rehabilitation. The radiological evaluation included review of the X-rays, from the initial traumatic event to the last follow up X-ray. An AP view with three rotations, outlet view and axillary view were performed for each patient. The fracture type, displacement, interval for union, glenohumeral osteoarthritis (according to the Samilson classification), type of acromion and osteoporosis, were recorded. Special attention was paid in detecting joint stiffness, algodystrophy, neurological impairment, malunion, further displacement, signs of avascular necrosis and post-traumatic osteoarthritis.
Results: The mean non adjusted Constant’s score at last follow up was 88.33 over 100 (SD: 11.45) an average of 96.01% compared to the contralateral side. 83% of patients were pain free, and 17% reported mild pain. Active motion was very satisfactory averaging 96.23% in forward flexion, 89.86% in external rotation with the hand at the side, and 90.22% in external rotation at 90° abduction, and a difference of 1.46 vertebral levels in active internal rotation, as compared to the contralateral shoulder. Passive motion was also analyzed in the same way. Power of the affected shoulder in forward elevation was on average 90.19% of the contralateral side. Impingement was tested by the Neer, Hawkins and Yocum signs: 4 patients (33.3%) reported at least one positive sign of impingement. The Jobe and Palm up tests were negative in 100% of patients. 11 patients were very satisfied and 1 patient satisfied. Joint stiffness developed in one case (8.3%), with 100° of forward elevation, 50° external rotation with the hand at the side, 50° external rotation at 90° abduction. No algodystrophy, no neurological impairment, no further displacement, no signs of avascular necrosis, no post-traumatic progression of osteoarthritis, were observed in any case. Union was achieved in all the 12 patients, in 2 cases with some degree of angulation.
Conclusions: Very good functional and radiological results were obtained with immediate passive mobilization of minimally displaced fractures of the proximal humerus. It is a safe method as all the fractures united and the rate of complication was very low especially without joint stiffness or RSD and with very good patient satisfaction.
