Researchers have found that using an arm sling for three weeks gives the same results as shoulder surgery.
The latest study by researchers from Aarhus University, Viborg Regional Hospital, Denmark, and a number of university departments in Finland, Estonia and Sweden, showed that using of an arm sling for three weeks can give exactly the same results as surgery to treat the broken shoulder.
The researchers pointed out that there is nothing to be gained by operating on a patient with a so-called displaced shoulder fracture.
88 elderly patients
The study published by the scientific journal PLOS Medicine was concluded after examining injured shoulder recovery in 88 patients over the age of sixty who had all injured or displaced their shoulder.
Generally, surgeons and orthopedists around the world join the bones of the shoulder using metal plates and screws. However, what was observed in the study was that it was absolutely unnecessary, as keeping the arm in a sling for three weeks can have the same results for the patient.
Before coming to this conclusion, the researchers asked half of the participants to undergo shoulder surgery, while the other half had to keep their arm in a sling for three weeks. The 88 participants were under the supervision of physiotherapists and were followed for two years as part of the study.
After the study ended, researchers found that those who had had shoulder surgery and those who had used arm slings to recover from broken or displaced shoulder bones did not showed no difference at all. The comparison between the two types of treatment was based on the patients’ own assessment of functionality, pain and quality of life.
Study leader Professor of Orthopedic Rehabilitation Inger Mecklenburg, Department of Clinical Medicine at Aarhus University and Aarhus University Hospital, says: “The results are sparking new ideas among members of the medical community as to the best treatment to adopt and it can be concluded that the least intrusive treatment is the best option.
A challenge
According to Ms. Inger, the study underlined that, given the patients’ ability to perform daily tasks, their level of pain and their quality of life, only a sling should be preferred and patients should be spared the pain. pain and complications related to surgery.
According to her, the study will challenge the common practice of operating on patients with fractured or displaced shoulders, a practice that is followed by doctors around the world. She says that with the results of the study in hand, she was ready to lead a discussion among professionals.
“Going from more to less has always been a challenge, especially in the medical profession, and given that fact, it was essential that the research team ensure that the study was as comprehensive as it was intended to be. was,” she said.
The fundamental starting point of the study was to find the best form of treatment for this type of injury”, explains Inger. We have proven that there is no beneficial effect of surgery and the various services of health care should take this fact into account,” she says.
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