Background: Proximal humerus fractures are the third most common type of osteoporotic fractures, and treatment options include both operative and non-operative management. With the rising cost of surgical interventions, conservative treatment may be a more cost-effective choice. However, there is a gap in the literature about the efficacy of conservative management of proximal humerus fractures in older adults. The purpose of this case report is to highlight the use of physical therapy to improve upper extremity mobility, strength, and function in an elderly client following a proximal humerus fracture. Case Description: Patient A is a 70-year-old female who was referred to physical therapy after an eight-week period of immobilization for a right proximal humerus fracture. She presented with pain and impaired functional range of motion and strength. Intervention: Patient A completed twelve, 40-minute physical therapy sessions consisting of patient education, home exercise instruction, soft tissue and joint mobilizations, passive and active-assisted range of motion, and progressive resistance training. Outcomes: Outcome measures included Upper Extremity QuickDASH, subjective reports of pain and function, goniometric range of motion measurements, and manual muscle testing. Discussion: Six weeks of physical therapy intervention improved all outcome measures for an elderly woman following a proximal humerus fracture. When appropriate, physical therapists should advocate for conservative management of proximal humerus fractures in the geriatric population.
Dissertation
Physical Therapy Management of an Elderly Woman Following Immobilization for Proximal Humerus Fracture: A Case Report
University of Iowa
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) , University of Iowa
Summer 2020
Free to read and download, Open Access
Abstract
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Physical Therapy Management of an Elderly Woman Following Immobilization for Proximal Humerus Fracture: A Case Report
- Creators
- Kayln Hugdahl - University of Iowa
- Contributors
- Laura Frey Law (Advisor)Michael Petrie (Advisor)
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Project Type
- Case Report
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) , University of Iowa
- Degree in
- Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Science
- Date degree season
- Summer 2020
- Publisher
- University of Iowa
- Number of pages
- 10 pages
- Copyright
- Copyright © 2020 Kayln Hugdahl
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Doctor of Physical Therapy Case Reports
- Record Identifier
- 9984201517102771
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