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

The overarching goal is to better understand the impact of timing of initiation of rehabilitation on functional and patient reported outcomes on patients undergoing rTSA in the trauma setting.

Specifically, the investigators will conduct a pilot study in the form of a randomized controlled trial to evaluate whether, in patients undergoing rTSA for proximal humerus fracture, early rehabilitation yields a significant difference in range of motion, patient-reported outcomes, or postoperative complications compared to those who undergo delayed rehabilitation. The specific aims are:

Aim 1: To compare the range of motion and patient reported outcomes between early and delayed rehabilitation in patients undergoing rTSA for proximal humerus fracture by conducting a randomized trial. The investigators will enroll patients in a randomized controlled trial postoperatively that will allocate patients to begin physical rehabilitation early (two weeks after operation) or delayed (six weeks after operation). In-person clinic visits and radiographs will occur at multiple time points (six weeks, three months, and six months) postoperatively. The investigators hypothesize that patients undergoing rTSA for proximal humerus fracture participating in early rehabilitation will have no difference in range of motion (forward flexion, abduction) or patient reported outcomes American Shoulder Elbow Surgeons Shoulder Score Constant score.

Aim 2: To compare the rates of postoperative complications between early and delayed rehabilitation in patients undergoing rTSA for proximal humerus fracture. Investigators will conduct chart reviews as well as in-person clinic visits and radiographs at multiple time points postoperatively. Investigators hypothesize that there will be no difference in rates of postoperative complications between early and delayed rehabilitation groups.

The expected outcome of this study is an enhanced understanding of the impact of rehabilitation after proximal humerus fracture, and the degree to which timing of initiation of therapy impacts patient outcomes. This will have a positive impact because it creates a foundation for developing rehabilitation protocols in this population.

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