The duration of healing after a broken spoke depends on the severity of the fracture. Children usually have very good chances of healing, as they show better spontaneous healing than adults, so conservative therapy often proceeds without complications. If the spoke fracture is optimally treated and an adequate follow-up treatment with movement exercises under physiotherapeutic supervision is carried out, a complete healing is likely to occur in adulthood as well.
Usually the treatment lasts four to six weeks until light loads with gripping exercises can be performed again. At the beginning of the therapy, hectic movements and heavy strain on the arm should be avoided. If it is a complicated fracture, such as a comminuted fracture or large displacements, it can also take six months or more until complete recovery.
Duration after surgery
During surgery for a spoke fracture, metal parts are inserted into the body to stabilize the fracture and prevent further displacement of the individual fragments. Therefore, it is usually no longer necessary to wear a plaster cast after the operation, but a splint is always prescribed, the wearing of which promotes healing as it restricts freedom of movement. This splint should be worn until the stitches are removed after about 10-14 days.
If there is swelling, you can cool the arm and put it up. After the stitches are removed, you can start with careful movement exercises. The arm should be used during everyday activities without any load so that it does not become stiff and muscle groups regress.
Physiotherapy can also be useful. Pain may still occur after the operation. The doctor will prescribe an adequate painkiller for this, and painkillers with anti-inflammatory effects are also used.
As a rule, the medication should not be taken for longer than 14 days. After that the pain should have improved again. If plates or wires have been inserted into the fracture site, they are usually removed again after a certain time in a second minor procedure. The length of time until removal depends on various factors, such as the patient’s age, degree of activity or even the patient’s symptoms. However, the removal should take place after one year at the earliest.
