Richard Haynes PTA/CPT - 10/25/2008

Question
hello.  My 66 year old mother that suffers from osteoporosis..she has previously fallen twice in the last 5 years and has fractured her L3 and L5. The only thing that has been done is some rehab and LOTS of pain meds and Fosomax.  Last night at her job (which she should not even be doing) she fell off of a step and broke her humerus and dislocated her shoulder.  They sent her home with a sling and pain meds and needs to see an ortho on Monday.  Can you tell me possibly what to expect and maybe anything that I should inquire of the doctor?  Thanking you in advance.

Answer
Hi Stephanie,   The X-ray will now determine what has to be done. The fact that  she was sent home says to me that the fracture is no-displaced. This means that is not appear that surgery will be needed however that will be ultimately determined what the ortho doctor finds.

Your mother may when its appropriate start some physical therapy to regain some strength in the arm depending on how long it is to remain in the sling and, how much movement the doctor will allow with the arm.

Find out what the weightbearing status. How much weight will your mother be allowed to put through her arm. How long will it remain in the sling? Ask when can she take it off? Can she take it off to shower? You just need to find out what will be the precautions she has to follow to assure the bone heals right without her causing further damage to it by using it. If its her dominant hand/arm she may be tempted to use it when she shouldn't.

Find out if it isn't discussed will she need physical therapy and if so when? The fact that her shoulder was dislocated means she will in time need to start exercises that will strengthen and tighten up the muscles surrounding the shoulder so that that does not take place again.

Generally, once a shoulder has been dislocated its easier to do it again as the surrounding tissue and muscle have been stretched and do not hold the shoulder in place like it should. The fact that your mother is not involved in things like contact sports heavy lifting, etc... will decrease the chances of it taking place.

See what the ortho doctor has to say at this point and he/she should be able to clear these questions up for you as well.If you do not understand something however do not hesitate to ask them sometimes I will run across patients I see in physical therapy that felt intimidated or rushed and failed to get the information they need to be informed of their situation totally.

Good Luck
Richard Haynes
Punta Gorda, Fla.
www.totaljointfitness.blogspot.com
www.totaljointfitness.com