Postoperative Humerus Fracture Rehabilitation Using Class 4 Laser Therapy

Introduction
This case demonstrates the successful application of class 4 laser therapy in postoperative rehabilitation following a distal humerus fracture. The laser therapy machine was utilized to address limited mobility, scar adhesions, and muscle atrophy, while providing effective laser therapy for pain relief.

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Case Presentation

Patient History:

• 21-year-old male
• Injury mechanism: Fall from horse resulting in distal humerus fracture
• Status: Postoperative evaluation for reconstruction

Clinical Findings:

1. Significant limitation in elbow flexion range
2. Notable upper limb muscle atrophy (particularly triceps and biceps brachii)
3. Palpable scar adhesions at surgical site
4. Postoperative imaging confirmed proper fracture reduction

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Intervention Strategy

Multimodal Treatment Approach:

1. Manual Therapy:
   • Targeted release of contracted muscle groups around elbow joint
   • Scar tissue mobilization techniques
2. Class 4 Laser Therapy Protocol:
   • Equipment: Medical-grade laser therapy machine (Class IV)
   • Treatment Parameters:Power (W)Duty CycleFrequency (Hz)TechniqueDuration (min)Frequency3050%1,000Non-contact102×/week for 2 weeks
   • Target Areas:
     • Elbow fossa (anterior aspect)
     • Posterior surgical scar region
   • Physiological Effects:
     • Enhanced tissue repair through photobiomodulation
     • Reduced inflammation in periarticular tissues
     • Laser therapy for pain relief at scar sites
3. Adjunctive Therapies:
   • Electrical stimulation to reactivate elbow flexors/extensors
   • Progressive resistance training to rebuild muscle strength

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Treatment Outcomes

After 4 Treatment Sessions (2 Weeks):

Objective Improvements:

• Mobility:
  • Initial flexion limitation: 45° → Improved to 90°
  • Scar tissue pliability increased by 60% (measured via tissue compliance meter)

Subjective Reports:

• Patient reported 70% reduction in movement-associated pain
• Notable improvement in daily functional tasks (e.g., self-care activities)

Comparative Results:

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Clinical Discussion

The class 4 laser therapy demonstrated three key therapeutic benefits:

1. Scar Tissue Modification:
   • 50% duty cycle at 30W effectively softened fibrotic tissue
   • Enhanced collagen realignment in healing fracture site
2. Functional Recovery:
   • Combined with electrical stimulation, accelerated neuromuscular re-education
   • Synergistic effect between laser therapy for pain relief and manual techniques
3. Treatment Efficiency:
   • Significant improvements achieved in just 4 sessions
   • Non-contact technique allowed pain-free application over sensitive surgical sites

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Conclusion

This case highlights how class 4 laser therapy delivered via advanced laser therapy machine can:

• Accelerate postoperative recovery in complex fractures
• Effectively manage both pain and functional limitations
• Complement traditional rehabilitation methods

The protocol yielded measurable improvements in mobility, strength, and pain levels within two weeks, demonstrating the value of incorporating laser therapy in orthopedic rehabilitation.

Keywords: class 4 laser therapy, laser therapy machine, laser therapy for pain relief, postoperative rehabilitation, humerus fracture