Paper Title
Evaluation of Functional Orthotic Device for Managing Proximal Humerus Fracture
Abstract
Background: Proximal humerus fractures are common but debilitating injuries, which result in significant dysfunction for the patient and both diagnostic and treatment challenges for the physician.
Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of orthosis for managing proximal humerus fractures (PHFs).
Methods: This prospective cohort study. orthosis user group compared with non-orthosis user group for PHFs management, the physical function in the activities of daily and recovery was assessed with DASH, SPADI, CONSTANT scores, orthosis questionnaire and radiographically assessing for the bone union. Data were analyzed using SPSS 25 and Prism 8.
Results: Initially 23 enrolled with PHFs diagnosed 12(52.17%), females,11(47.82%) male patients, however only 20 completed the study. The mean±SD age of 56.21 ± 12.94 (range: 36-79 years). A significant difference was observed between the two groups in DASH, SPADI, and CONSTANT scores (P-Value < 0.001), and duration of fracture union(days) (P-Value 0.001). The Orthosis users group had mean±SD 11.2(4.84) DASH, 2.46(1.29)SPADI and 87.3(3.77),90.7(5.12) Constant scores “Excellent” outcome, complete healing duration of 6.2 weeks (range 6–9) post orthosis removal bone union duration was 58.6(19.2). Non-orthosis users group showed mean±SD 40.8(9.29) DASH, 7.69(1.44) SPADI and 62.1(4.88),65.2(6.05) Constant scores “Fair” outcome, complete healing duration of 10.2 weeks (range 7–11), bone union duration was 93.2(1.94). The orthosis satisfaction survey revealed that patients were very satisfied with the use of the new orthosis.
Conclusion: The orthosis was effective in treating PHFs, overall success rate in the current study was the orthosis achieves adequate fracture with utility clinical outcomes and preserved the ability of the patient to do some functional activities without causing pain.
Keywords - Orthosis, Proximal Humeral Fractures, Rehabilitation.