Post-Surgery Adhesions After Radius Fracture: Solutions and Insights - Orthopedics

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After a radius fracture surgery, the development of adhesions can significantly impact the recovery process and range of motion in the affected joint. Adhesions are fibrous bands that form between tissues and can restrict movement, leading to stiffness and discomfort. In your mother's case, the inability to fully flex or extend her elbow beyond 90 degrees suggests that adhesions may be a contributing factor.


Understanding Adhesions Post-Surgery
Adhesions can occur after any surgical procedure, especially in the context of trauma like a fracture. They can form as a natural part of the healing process, where the body attempts to repair itself. However, excessive scar tissue can lead to complications such as limited mobility, pain, and functional impairment. In the case of elbow injuries, the surrounding soft tissues, including muscles, tendons, and ligaments, can become involved, leading to a condition often referred to as "frozen elbow" or elbow stiffness.


Potential Solutions and Management Strategies
1. Physical Therapy: Engaging in a structured physical therapy program is crucial. A physical therapist can employ various techniques to help break down adhesions and improve range of motion. This may include:
- Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques to mobilize the joint and surrounding tissues.

- Stretching Exercises: Specific exercises designed to gradually increase flexibility and range of motion.

- Strengthening Exercises: Once some mobility is regained, strengthening the muscles around the elbow can help support joint function.

2. Modalities: The use of modalities such as heat, ultrasound, or electrical stimulation can help reduce pain and improve tissue elasticity, making it easier to perform rehabilitation exercises.

3. Joint Mobilization: Techniques such as joint mobilization can be performed by a trained therapist to help restore movement in the elbow joint.

4. Home Exercises: It is important for your mother to continue with her home exercise program as prescribed by her therapist. Gentle stretching and range-of-motion exercises can be beneficial.

5. Surgical Intervention: In cases where conservative management does not yield satisfactory results, surgical intervention may be considered. This could involve a procedure known as arthrolysis, where adhesions are surgically removed to restore movement.

6. Patient Education: Educating your mother about the importance of consistent rehabilitation and the potential for recovery can help maintain motivation and adherence to her therapy program.


Monitoring Progress
Regular follow-ups with her orthopedic surgeon or physical therapist are essential to monitor her progress. If her range of motion does not improve or if she experiences increased pain, further evaluation may be necessary. Imaging studies, such as MRI, can sometimes be helpful in assessing the extent of adhesions and guiding treatment decisions.


Conclusion
In summary, while adhesions after a radius fracture surgery can pose challenges, there are effective strategies to manage and potentially overcome these issues. A combination of physical therapy, home exercises, and possibly surgical intervention can help restore function and improve your mother's quality of life. It is crucial to maintain open communication with her healthcare providers to tailor the rehabilitation approach to her specific needs and circumstances.