Physiotherapy Management of Intercondylar Union Fracture of the Distal One-Third of the Humerus Using Ultrasound and Therapeutic Exercise at Bandung Kiwari Regional Hospital

Fracture union is a condition in which a fractured bone has achieved continuity through the bone-healing process, involving the formation of new bone tissue and subsequent remodeling. Although union has been achieved, patients may continue to experience pain, limited range of motion (ROM), reduced muscle strength, and impaired functional activity. A fracture of the distal one-third of the humerus may affect elbow-joint function and upper-extremity activities. In intercondylar union fracture of the distal one-third of the humerus, physiotherapy management is required to reduce pain, improve ROM, and restore elbow function. This study used a descriptive single-case design involving one patient with an intercondylar union fracture of the distal one-third of the humerus. The intervention consisted of ultrasound therapy combined with therapeutic exercise over six treatment sessions. Evaluation used the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, a goniometer for ROM, and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) instrument for upper-extremity functional limitation. Following six sessions, tenderness in the right elbow decreased from 6 to 2, movement-related pain from 7 to 2, and activity-related pain from 8 to 3. Reported elbow ROM increased from 15° to 35%, while DASH scores for flexion-extension decreased from 35% to 20% and for supination-pronation from 30% to 20%. These findings indicate that ultrasound combined with therapeutic exercise may reduce pain, improve ROM, and enhance elbow function; however, findings from one patient cannot be generalized to all patients with similar conditions.