Recovery After Arm Fracture Surgery: Key Questions Answered

Fracture

Hello Dr.
Hong,
I was in a car accident on March 10 and underwent surgery at Chungli Tiansheng.
The doctor diagnosed me with a "right humeral fracture; shoulder contusion with rotator cuff tear." I had surgery on the morning of March 11 and stayed in the hospital for 11 days.
The doctor placed three screws in my right shoulder bone.
About a month after being discharged, I started rehabilitation.
However, less than three months later, the screws became loose, and I immediately went to Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital for a second surgery (surgery date: June 16 at noon).
The doctor at Chang Gung diagnosed me with "displacement after right greater tuberosity fracture surgery" and removed the original screws from my right arm, replacing them with three bone screws, so I won't need further surgeries.
Now, I can move my right arm normally, but I cannot extend it backward (for example, when putting on a bra).
My right arm is no longer "painful," but it does feel very sore.
Doctor, I would like to ask you a few questions:
1.
I have been doing rehabilitation every day at the hospital, and the rehabilitation therapist has been working hard to help me with stretching.
Will my arm get better? As a woman, will I have any long-term complications?
2.
I am currently not taking any pain medication.
Can I see a traditional Chinese medicine doctor and take herbal medicine to help my body? If not now, how long should I wait before I can start taking herbal medicine? (My family is concerned because I had two surgeries within six months, and the second surgery took longer than the first.)
3.
Since I work in a different location and need to use transportation, can I ride a motorcycle given my current condition?
Thank you, Dr.
Hong.

Best regards,
Shufen
July 20, 1997

Shufen, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2008/07/20

Dr. Hong Ximing reply Orthopedics

Based on your medical condition, it appears that after the first surgery, the fracture did not heal and has shifted.
It has been approximately four weeks since the second surgery, and the fracture still has not healed.
Therefore, it is important to be particularly cautious during rehabilitation.
Post-operative rehabilitation and recovery of fractures around the joints may have certain limitations, and the focus should be on gradually increasing muscle strength to provide support.
Given your situation, riding a bike should not pose any issues, but please consult a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner regarding the use of herbal medicine.

Reply Date: 2008/07/20

More Info

Dear 淑芬,
Thank you for reaching out with your concerns regarding your recovery after the arm fracture surgery. It sounds like you have been through a challenging time, and I commend your commitment to rehabilitation. Let’s address your questions one by one.

1. Will my hand recover? Will there be any long-term effects?
Your dedication to daily rehabilitation is crucial for your recovery. The fact that you are able to move your right hand normally is a positive sign. However, the inability to extend your arm fully, especially for specific movements like putting on a bra, may indicate some residual stiffness or weakness in the shoulder joint or surrounding muscles. It is essential to continue working with your rehabilitation therapist, who can provide targeted exercises to improve your range of motion and strength. As for long-term effects, while some patients may experience lingering stiffness or discomfort, many can achieve a full recovery with consistent therapy and time. It’s important to maintain realistic expectations and communicate with your healthcare provider about your progress.

2. Can I take traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) now?
Since you are no longer taking pain medication, it is generally safe to consider TCM as a complementary approach to support your recovery. However, it is advisable to consult with your orthopedic surgeon or primary care physician before starting any new treatment, especially after having undergone multiple surgeries. They can provide guidance on the timing and appropriateness of introducing herbal remedies or acupuncture based on your specific condition and recovery status. It’s essential to ensure that any TCM practitioner you choose is aware of your surgical history and current health status.

3. Can I ride a motorcycle given my current condition?
Riding a motorcycle can be physically demanding and may require a good range of motion and strength in your arms and shoulders. Since you mentioned that you are still experiencing some limitations in extending your arm, it would be prudent to assess your comfort level and ability to control the motorcycle safely. If you feel any discomfort or limitations in your movements, it may be best to avoid riding until you have regained more strength and flexibility. Additionally, consider discussing this with your rehabilitation therapist or physician, who can provide personalized advice based on your recovery progress.

In summary, your recovery journey is ongoing, and it’s great to hear that you are actively participating in rehabilitation. Continue to communicate openly with your healthcare team about your progress and any concerns you may have. They can provide the best guidance tailored to your specific situation. Remember, recovery takes time, and being patient with yourself is key.

Wishing you a smooth and successful recovery!
Best regards,
Doctor Q&A Teams

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