Richard Haynes PTA/CPT - 1/9/2009

Question
Hi, you advice would be much appreciated.  Over 7 weeks ago I broke my upper left arm resulting in a spiral fracture, a fracture running fro the elbow to the underarm and a fractured shoulder.  I have had several x-rays since and have been warned that the lower end of the spiral fracture is not healing.  I am still having to sleep upright and have been warned that surgery is a possibilty.  I see my consultant again next week.  I am 44 but lead a fairly healthy lifestyle and cannot understand why I am stil in quite a lot of pain and am not healing well.  Please could you tell me what I can expect in terms of treatment, healing time etc.  My consultant is very good but seems reluctant to make a decision about surgery, in the meantime my life and my career are on hold.  Catherine

Answer
Hi Catherine,     It is not unheard of that when a fracture occurs like you have suffered that an area is slow to heal.

I can only speak from from a physical therapy standpoint as I am not an orthopedic surgeon. It sounds like your consultant is holding off the surgery in hopes that he sees signs of some healing taking place before having to resort to surgery.

After 7 weeks there should be some sign that healing will occur and he may decide that surgery to place a pin or plate in the area is best with this next meeting IF improvement is not noticed.

IF it is decided that surgery is the only option from  a rehabilitation standpoint you can then expect that physiotherapy will be started quickly to keep the surrounding area strong as possible.

The surgeon will advise the physiotherapist what the treatment protocol is depending on the surgical procedure.

being 44 you should recover as fast as can be expected and really do not see there being any future limitations from the brief description you have provided.

Healing time possibly 6 weeks more. Again this is general information.
The pain you are experiencing is not unusual if the area described is not healing like it should. Whenever you have the arm and shoulder involved in a fracture of any kind due to the musculature and amount of nerve bundles running through the shoulder pain will be an issue.

As long as the surgeon has determined there is no nerve damage and you have full movement of the hands etc.. then ultimately you should recover.

Look for a decision to made on your next visit.

Good Luck
Richard Haynes
Punta Gorda, Florida USA