Effects Supervised Versus Home-Based Rehabilitation on Functional Outcome after Surgical Fixation of Distal Humerus Fractures

Background: The focus for early postoperative motion in stable fixation is aimed at good restoration of joint anatomy in relation to movements, strength, and joint play and to compare the functional outcomes after the surgical repair of distal humerus fractures in contrast with supervised and home-based rehabilitation. Aim: To provide guidelines to effectively manage the post-operative functional complications. Method: Sixty-four patients with the distal humerus fractures were treated surgically, participated in the study at the mean follow up of 6 months. Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), Disabilities of the Arm shoulder and Hand (DASH), Visual Analogue Scale and Goniometer, radiographic evaluation was done to assess outcomes at baseline (2nd week after cast removal), 10th week &6th month post-operative. Results: Among 60 patients, average MEPS, DASH, Arc of motion was significantly better in supervised rehabilitation group in contrast with home-based rehabilitation group (p=0.00, CI 95%). Average healing time observed on radiographs was 10-12 weeks. The overall complication rate was only 4.7%, while most of the minor complications resolved without any intervention. Conclusions: Outcomes of distal humerus fractures were good to excellent in both groups, whereas supervised rehabilitation provided better outcomes in context with ranger of motion, mobility, and functionality.