Fractured Humerus Fixation

What is Humerus Fixation Surgery?

The humerus is the long bone of the upper arm that connects the shoulder joint to the elbow. The proximal humerus forms part of the shoulder joint and is a common site for fractures, particularly in older adults.

Proximal humerus fractures are often classified using Neer’s classification, which identifies four key anatomical regions:

• The humeral head
• The greater tubercle
• The lesser tubercle
• The surgical neck

When fractures occur in these areas, they can significantly affect shoulder stability and arm function because important muscles such as the rotator cuff attach to this part of the bone.

While some fractures can be treated with a sling and rehabilitation, surgical fixation is required when the bone fragments are displaced or unstable.

How Does a Proximal Humerus Fracture Happen?

Fractures of the proximal humerus usually occur due to trauma or falls.

Common causes include:

• Falling onto an outstretched hand
• Direct impact to the shoulder
• Falls in older adults with osteoporosis
• Sports injuries
• Road traffic accidents

Older adults are particularly vulnerable because reduced bone density increases fracture risk even after relatively minor falls.

What Are the Symptoms After Humerus Fixation Surgery?

After surgery, patients commonly experience symptoms related to both the fracture and the surgical procedure.

Typical symptoms include:

• Pain around the shoulder and surgical incision
• Swelling and bruising in the upper arm
• Shoulder stiffness
• Reduced arm mobility
• Muscle weakness around the shoulder
• Scar sensitivity
• Numbness or tingling in the arm due to nerve irritation

These symptoms usually improve gradually with proper rehabilitation and physiotherapy.

What Should I Do If I Need Humerus Fixation Surgery?

If a humerus fracture requires surgery, the orthopaedic surgeon will determine the most appropriate treatment based on the fracture type, displacement, and patient health status.

Common surgical procedures include:

Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF)

This is the most common surgical treatment for displaced humerus fractures.

During the procedure:

• The bone fragments are repositioned into their correct alignment.
• A metal plate and screws are used to stabilise the bone.

Humeral Head Replacement

In complex fractures involving multiple fragments, a shoulder hemiarthroplasty may be performed where the damaged humeral head is replaced with an artificial component.

After surgery, the arm is usually placed in a protective sling to support healing.

Physiotherapy Treatment After Humerus Fixation Surgery

Physiotherapy plays a critical role in recovery after humerus fixation surgery. Rehabilitation focuses on restoring shoulder mobility, improving muscle strength, and ensuring safe return to normal activities.

At ACE Physio Sports in Singapore, physiotherapists provide personalised rehabilitation programmes tailored to each stage of healing.

Weeks 1–3: Early Recovery Phase

The goal during the early stage is to protect the surgical repair while reducing pain and stiffness.

Treatment may include:

• Cryotherapy (ice therapy) for pain and swelling
• Sling education and protection strategies
• Active mobility exercises for the elbow, wrist, and hand
• Gentle strengthening of distal joints
• Passive shoulder movements
• Postural awareness and scapular control exercises
• Wound care advice and patient education

Weeks 4–6: Regaining Shoulder Mobility

As healing progresses, controlled shoulder movement and strengthening begin.

Treatment may include:

• Passive and active-assisted shoulder exercises
• Gradual increase in shoulder range of motion
• Isometric strengthening exercises
• Scapular stabilisation training
• Joint mobilisation techniques
• Proprioceptive training for shoulder control
• Scar management techniques
• Nerve gliding exercises

Weeks 7–12: Functional Rehabilitation

The focus shifts toward restoring full shoulder function.

Treatment may include:

• Full active and passive range-of-motion exercises
• Rotator cuff strengthening
• Soft tissue therapy and stretching
• Progressive resistance exercises
• Endurance training for shoulder muscles
• Functional movement training

Weeks 12+: Advanced Rehabilitation and Return to Activity

During the final stage, rehabilitation focuses on returning to full activity levels.

Treatment may include:

• Full shoulder mobility restoration
• Advanced strengthening exercises
• High-level stability and proprioception training
• Functional retraining for work and sports
• Personalised home exercise programmes
• Long-term shoulder injury prevention strategies

Complete recovery may take several months to up to one year, depending on the severity of the injury.

What Should I Avoid After Humerus Fixation Surgery?

To prevent complications and support healing, patients should avoid:

• Lifting heavy objects during early recovery
• Sudden shoulder movements
• Returning to sports too early
• Removing the sling without medical advice
• Ignoring persistent pain or swelling

Following a structured physiotherapy programme helps ensure safe recovery.

Can There Be Long-Term Effects?

Most patients recover well with appropriate surgery and rehabilitation.

However, possible complications may include:

• Shoulder stiffness
• Rotator cuff weakness
• Persistent pain
• Reduced shoulder mobility
• Nerve irritation
• Delayed bone healing

Early physiotherapy greatly improves recovery outcomes and reduces the risk of long-term problems.

Why Choose ACE Physio Sports

At ACE Physio Sports – Singapore, our physiotherapists specialise in orthopaedic rehabilitation, sports injuries, and post-surgical recovery.

Our clinic provides:

• Experienced musculoskeletal physiotherapists
• Personalised rehabilitation programmes
• Evidence-based physiotherapy treatment
• Structured recovery plans for shoulder surgery rehabilitation

Located near East Coast Road, we regularly treat patients from Marine Parade, Katong, Joo Chiat, Siglap, and Bedok.

Book an Appointment

To arrange an appointment, please call +65 81535374 or visit acephysiosport.com.