Is this acceptable post humerus surgery?

[piatnik]

Hello everyone,

three months ago I underwent surgery for a fractured (mid shaft) humerus which wouldn't heal conservatively for over 5 months. I had a plate and screws put in along with bone graft taken from hip (iliac crest) area. I recently went to my orthopedic surgeon for a check up (3 months) post op and he said he is extremely pleased with my range of motion and how the arm looks/feels in general. After looking at the x-rays he said that my bone joined but is probably a bit weak still and so I can go to the gym and start doing very light weights with restriction of up to 5 lbs. He said that it may take up to a year for the bone to regain its full strength. He also said I dont require physio as I can use my are very well on my own.

Recently I went back to my gym and started doing some strengthning exercises for that arm but it feels like 5lbs is really just no weight at all. It literally feels like I'm pushing through air. My question is, can I do little heavier than 5lbs on that arm? I've been reading and many people wait 6-8 weeks without the plate and start doing heavier exercises whereas for me its already been double that time and I feel confident I can do more. What do you guys think?

Thanks in advance for any input.

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[Judith Mollet]

I think the person to ask is the one who looked at your X-ray and decided it was probably a bit weak! It is so, that you will reckon with a year before the bone is finished with rebuilding itself. Sensible light weights will help. Did the guy say for how long he wants only 5lbs? Do you have another outpatient appointment when you can go and tell him how you are getting on and ask if you can increase the weights slowly?
You had none- or severely delayed-union of your humerus over 5 months for some reason. The guys who push more weight sooner haven't had that problem! The plates keep the site stable while your bone graft etc is healing. The surgeon seems to want to play safe and not risk a re-fracture of the site that is not yet fully healed. Sensible to follow his advice I would say.
All the best, keep patient!

[Canuck Physio]

I would have to concur,

surgical procedures and Orthopaedics is quite exact, and the suggestions should be adhered to. The reason being, although it is quite unpredictable, bone healing takes a relatively long time.