top of page
Search

Return to Sport After Shoulder Fracture with Plate and Screw Fixation.

  • Writer: PHYSIO 360
    PHYSIO 360
  • Jun 12
  • 2 min read


ree

INTRODUCTION;

A shoulder fracture requiring plate and screw fixation is a significant injury that often results from trauma, falls, or sports accidents. Whether you're an athlete, fitness enthusiast, or weekend warrior, returning to sport after such an injury requires dedicated rehabilitation, careful progression, and close monitoring by a skilled physiotherapist.


Understanding the Injury

Shoulder fractures commonly affect the:

  • Proximal humerus

  • Clavicle

  • Scapula

When the fracture is displaced or comminuted, orthopedic surgeons use open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with plates and screws to restore alignment and stability.



ree

Goals of Post-Surgical Rehabilitation

After plate and screw fixation, the primary rehabilitation goals include:

✅ Reducing pain and inflammation

✅ Restoring shoulder mobility

✅ Regaining muscular strength

✅ Preventing stiffness and joint contractures

✅ Reintegrating sport-specific movements

✅ Minimising the risk of re-injury


🗓 Phases of Physiotherapy for Return to Sport

🔹 Phase 1: Protection & Pain Relief (Weeks 0–4)

  • Sling immobilisation (as per surgeon's advice)

  • Gentle passive range of motion (PROM)

  • Pain management (ice, TENS, positioning)

  • Breathing and distal limb mobility exercises


🔹 Phase 2: Controlled Mobility (Weeks 4–8)

  • Transition to active-assisted ROM (AAROM)

  • Begin isometric strengthening (rotator cuff, scapular stabilisers)

  • Avoid overhead activities and weight lifting


🔹 Phase 3: Strengthening Phase (Weeks 8–12)

  • Introduce resistance bands and light dumbbells

  • Functional activities for ADLs (e.g., reaching, grooming)

  • Proprioceptive and neuromuscular training


🔹 Phase 4: Advanced Strength & Coordination (Weeks 12–20)

  • Sport-specific drills (e.g., throwing, racquet swings)

  • Plyometrics, agility, and return-to-play simulation

  • Functional testing to assess readiness (e.g., Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Test)


Criteria for Return to Sport.

Before clearance, the athlete should meet:

  • Full and pain-free range of motion

  • Symmetrical strength (90-95% of uninjured side)

  • Negative orthopaedic tests (e.g., Neer’s, Hawkins-Kennedy)

  • No tenderness over the fracture site

  • Clearance from the orthopaedic surgeon


Role of Physiotherapy in Return to Sport

A structured rehabilitation plan under a certified physiotherapist ensures:

  • Gradual load progression

  • Prevention of compensatory movement patterns

  • Restoration of biomechanics, power, and control

  • Safe reintegration into practice, competition, or performance



ree

Key Tips for Athletes

  • Don’t rush the process; bone healing takes time (~8–12 weeks).

  • Stick to your rehab schedule and prescribed exercises.

  • Follow proper warm-up, cool-down, and injury prevention protocols.

  • Communicate with your physio and ortho at every stage.


Physio360 – Expert Rehab for Shoulder Fracture Recovery

At Physio360, we specialize in sports injury rehabilitation, including return-to-play programs for post-fracture shoulder cases with plate and screw fixation. Our advanced techniques and personalised plans ensure a safe and fast recovery, tailored to your sport and position.


📍 Visit us at Physio360 – Chennai for expert guidance from our experienced physiotherapists.


REFERENCE AND RESEARCH ARTICLE ;

1.Return to sports after plate fixation of humeral head fractures 65 cases with minimum 24-month follow-uphttps://www.researchgate.net/publication/316490533_Return_to_sports_after_plate_fixation_of_humeral_head_fractures_65_cases_with_minimum_24-month_follow-up.


2.Return to work and sport after a humeral shaft fracturehttps://www.researchgate.net/publication/359291071_Return_to_work_and_sport_after_a_humeral_shaft_fracture.


 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page