Study Comparing Early and Delayed Rehabilitation After Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement for Proximal Humerus Fractures in Adults Aged 50 to 85

What this Trial Is About

Proximal humerus fractures can seriously affect elderly patients by limiting shoulder movement and causing pain, which impacts daily activities. This trial evaluates the timing of rehabilitation after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty rTSA in patients with these fractures, focusing on whether starting physical therapy early or later affects recovery and post-surgery complications. The study aims to identify safer, more effective rehabilitation protocols for this specific trauma patient group. Participants will be randomly assigned to start physical therapy either 2 weeks or 6 weeks after their rTSA surgery. Both groups will follow their assigned rehabilitation schedule, and researchers will compare outcomes such as shoulder range of motion and patient-reported shoulder function. The study includes in-person clinic visits and X-rays at 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months post-surgery to track progress and complications. Throughout the study, participants will attend scheduled visits for assessments of shoulder movement using a goniometer and complete outcome questionnaires. Researchers will also review medical records to monitor postoperative complications. The total follow-up lasts 6 months, providing detailed data on how rehabilitation timing influences recovery, patient function, and safety after rTSA for proximal humerus fractures.

Early Versus Delayed Rehabilitation After Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty for Proximal Humerus Fracture