Physiotherapy after fracture of the proximal end of the humerus. Comparison between two methods.

Two methods of physiotherapy after fracture of the proximal end of the humerus were compared. The study was designed as a randomized, controlled and single-blind trial. Twenty patients were assigned to two groups 10-12 days after the injury. One group was treated conventionally, the other received instructions in self-training with follow-up control of results. Objective examination and subjective assessment were made at five intervals, up to one year after the injury. The greatest improvement in function was shown in both groups between 3 and 8 weeks. The patients deemed their daily life functions to be normal 8 weeks after the injury. The objective assessment was normal at later stages. No significant differences were found between the two groups in any of the tests. Instruction in self-training with control of results including objective assessments are therefore an adequate method in the rehabilitation of these patients.