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Early Versus Delayed Rehabilitation After Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty for Proximal Humerus Fracture
A Randomized Controlled Trial of Early Versus Delayed Rehabilitation After Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty for Proximal Humerus Fracture
Who can join
Ages 50 to 85 · All sexes
Full eligibility criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * aged 50-85 undergo reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty by a single surgeon for proximal humerus fractures Exclusion Criteria: * previous rTSA to ipsilateral shoulder * undergoing elective rTSA * Prisoners * unwilling to be randomized * unwilling or unable to attend follow up visits
About the study
Proximal humerus fractures can be a debilitating injury in the elderly, impacting the ability to function independently or complete activities of daily living due to pain and restricted shoulder motion. Evidence has shown that reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) is an effective option to improve pain and function for patients with acute displaced proximal humerus fractures. Given that patients undergoing rTSA for proximal humerus fractures typically experience worse functional outcomes, worse patient-reported outcomes, and higher rates of complication compared to those with elective indications for surgical intervention, it is critical to determine a secure path to recovery for these patients after surgery. Early rehabilitation has been proposed to be safe and effective for patients who undergo rTSA for elective indications; however, there is a paucity of research evaluating safety and effectiveness of timing of rehabilitation for rTSA patients in the trauma setting. Currently, there exists a great variability in postoperative rehabilitation protocols across orthopaedic practices. This study's objective is to determine the safety and effectiveness of early postoperative rehabilitation on the outcomes and postoperative complications of patients undergoing rTSA for proximal humerus fractures in order to provide more specific recommendations for this patient population.
What is being tested
- Physical Therapy (other)
Sponsor: University of Virginia · Participants: 10 · Started: May 19, 2025
Contact the study team
- Lori Elder · Phone: 434-924-8570
Official record on ClinicalTrials.gov — NCT06869343
Locations in the U.S.
| Virginia | University of Virginia Medical Center, Charlottesville |
Conditions
From ClinicalTrials.gov, data retrieved Sep 30, 2026. Each study sets its own eligibility; the study team decides who can join.