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@article{197024,
        author = {Deepali Gupta and Md Asif and Narendra Kumar and Law Kumar},
        title = {ROLE OF PHYSIOTHERAPY IN RADIAL NERVE PALSY FOLLOWING THE HUMERAL SHAFT FRACTURE: A CASE REPORT},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2026},
        volume = {12},
        number = {11},
        pages = {4691-4697},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=197024},
        abstract = {Background: Radial nerve paralysis frequently occurs as a complication of humeral shaft fractures due to the nerve’s close anatomical relationship with the humerus, often leading to wrist drop, compromised hand function, and substantial impairment. Physical therapy is commonly utilized to regain function, yet its precise contribution and effectiveness in these cases require further investigation.
Objective: This case study seeks to assess the impact of a systematic physical therapy program on enhancing motor capabilities and quality of life in a patient with radial nerve palsy following a humeral shaft fracture.
Method: A 55-year-old male with a mid-shaft humeral fracture and subsequent radial nerve palsy underwent surgical stabilization followed by a 12-week physical therapy regimen. The program consisted of constraint induced movement therapy, passive mobility exercises, gradual muscle strengthening, nerve mobilization techniques, and task-oriented training. Progress was evaluated using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire, hand grip power, and wrist extension range of motion at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks.
Result: By 12 weeks, the patient demonstrated notable progress, with wrist extension improving from 0° to 45°, grip power increasing by 70%, and the DASH score dropping from 75 to 15, reflecting improved functional restoration. Electromyography confirmed partial nerve recovery by the program’s conclusion.
Conclusion: Physical therapy was instrumental in promoting functional restoration and alleviating disability in this instance of radial nerve palsy after a humeral shaft fracture. Timely intervention, customized exercises, and regular evaluation were critical to achieving optimal results. These observations highlight the value of physical therapy as a vital element of comprehensive care in such injuries},
        keywords = {Radial nerve palsy, humeral shaft fracture, physical therapy, functional restoration, wrist drop rehabilitation},
        month = {April},
        }