Arm Fractures from Softball: Recovery and Concerns

Can throwing a softball cause a fracture?

Hello Dr.
Chen, last month (May 28), while throwing a softball from left field to the infield, I exerted too much force and sustained a right humeral fracture.
The diagnosis certificate states "right humerus comminuted fracture with partial radial nerve palsy." I underwent surgery to implant a plate for stabilization and to unite the fracture site, and I am scheduled to have the plate removed in a year.
Currently, I am unable to fully extend my arm.
I would like to ask if this situation is normal.
How long will it take for me to regain normal movement? Will I be able to return to my previous level of function after the plate is removed? Additionally, I am 25 years old; could there be an issue with my bone density? How could I sustain a fracture just from throwing a softball?

Li, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2005/06/29

Dr. Chen Xingyuan reply Orthopedics

Dear Mr.
Li,
Injuries like yours can occasionally occur during activities such as wrist grip competitions or grenade throwing.
The primary cause is often due to sudden excessive force, where the tensile strength of the muscles exceeds the load that the bones can withstand, resulting in a fracture.
There is likely an underlying issue with the bone density.
Since the radial nerve is located close to the humerus, the fracture site can easily pull on the nerve during injury, leading to paralysis and inability to extend the wrist and fingers.
With appropriate rehabilitation and medication, most patients can achieve good recovery within six months.
The inability to fully extend your arm is due to the injury and surgery, and it requires active rehabilitation training.
It has only been about a month since your surgery, which is not a long time.
As long as you follow your physician's instructions diligently, you should gradually recover.
Additionally, it is crucial to protect the area to prevent the plate from loosening.
The injury has already occurred, and the only way to minimize the damage is to actively cooperate with the treatment.
Wishing you health and safety!
Sincerely,
Dr.
Chen

Reply Date: 2005/06/29

More Info

Hello! Thank you for sharing your experience regarding your right arm humeral fracture. It sounds like you've been through a challenging time, and I appreciate your detailed description of your injury and recovery process.
To address your concerns, it’s important to understand that a comminuted fracture, such as the one you described, can lead to complications, including nerve damage, which in your case is indicated by the partial paralysis of the radial nerve. This type of injury can significantly impact the recovery process and the range of motion in your arm.

1. Current Condition and Recovery Timeline: It is not uncommon for individuals who have sustained a humeral fracture, especially a comminuted one, to experience difficulty fully extending their arm post-surgery. The healing process for bones can vary widely among individuals, and factors such as age, overall health, and the severity of the injury play significant roles. After the removal of the plate, you may still experience stiffness and limited range of motion due to scar tissue formation and muscle atrophy from immobilization. Physical therapy is crucial at this stage to regain mobility and strength. Typically, it can take several months to a year to regain full function, but this varies greatly.

2. Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation: Engaging in a structured rehabilitation program is essential. A physical therapist can guide you through exercises designed to improve flexibility, strength, and range of motion. They may use modalities such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and manual therapy to aid in your recovery. It’s important to be patient and consistent with your therapy, as progress can be gradual.

3. Expectations Post-Plate Removal: Many patients do regain a significant degree of function after plate removal, but it may not always return to pre-injury levels, especially if there was nerve involvement. However, with diligent rehabilitation, many individuals can achieve a functional range of motion and strength that allows them to return to their previous activities, including sports.

4. Bone Health Concerns: At 25 years old, it is unusual to sustain a fracture from a single incident unless there are underlying issues such as osteoporosis or other bone density disorders. It might be beneficial to discuss with your physician the possibility of a bone density test or other evaluations to rule out any underlying conditions that could predispose you to fractures. Factors such as nutrition, physical activity, and genetics can all play a role in bone health.

5. Psychological Impact: It’s also important to consider the psychological aspect of recovery. Injuries can be mentally taxing, especially when they affect your ability to participate in activities you enjoy. If you find yourself feeling anxious or depressed about your recovery, it may be helpful to speak with a mental health professional who can provide support and coping strategies.

In summary, while your current inability to fully extend your arm may be concerning, it is not uncommon following such an injury. With the right rehabilitation and time, many individuals can regain significant function. Be sure to communicate openly with your healthcare providers about your recovery goals and any concerns you may have. They can provide tailored advice and adjustments to your rehabilitation plan as needed. Best wishes for your recovery!

Similar Q&A

Understanding and Preventing Baseball-Related Arm Injuries in Young Athletes

Hello Doctor: My son plays baseball, and recently he has been experiencing pain in his upper arm when he extends his arm forward while pitching (the pain only occurs during pitching, not during batting). He had a similar issue last year, but it was in a different location (the in...

Dr. Wang Zhaomin reply Rehabilitation
Inner elbow pain is a common injury among pitchers, which may be caused by overuse, muscle weakness, poor posture, or improper technique. Possible conditions include tendon tears, ligament strains, bone spurs, and joint effusion. Training methods should follow the guidance of a p...

Understanding Arm Pain After Sports Injury: When to Seek Help

Hello, Dr. Hsu: I would like to consult you about my condition. About a year ago, while playing softball, I collided with a classmate while trying to catch a high fly ball. The impact was quite strong, and both of us fell to the ground. At that time, I didn't feel much pain,...

Dr. Xu Zhaoren reply Orthopedics
This situation may require a visit to an orthopedic clinic for examination and treatment to determine the diagnosis for a complete resolution.

Understanding Humerus Injuries: Symptoms, Recovery, and Risks of Re-injury

Hello Doctor, at the beginning of this year, I experienced pain in my right upper arm while playing basketball, so I went to the hospital for an X-ray. The doctor informed me that there was a fracture in my humerus and advised me to refrain from using a racquet for at least one m...

Dr. Hong Ximing reply Orthopedics
Overtraining can lead to stress fractures, which are quite common. If symptoms occur, it is essential to rest and consult your primary care physician for evaluation to avoid delaying treatment.

How to Manage Arm Pain After a Baseball Bat Injury

When I was playing baseball, my left arm was hit by a teammate's bat. Although the bone is not fractured, my upper arm has been hurting a lot. What should I do to manage this? Thank you!

Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello, sir: Thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and recommendations: 1. Whether there is a fracture in the arm should be determined based on symptoms and X-ray results. 2. During the acute phase, ice therapy is recommended, followed by heat therapy afterward. 3. If ...