Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 50 to 85

Comparing early and delayed rehabilitation after shoulder surgery for fractures

Official title: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Early Versus Delayed Rehabilitation After Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty for Proximal Humerus Fracture

Run by University of Virginia · NCT06869343 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing whether starting physical therapy two weeks or six weeks after shoulder surgery helps patients recover better from their fractures.

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Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages50 Years to 85 Years
SexAll
Enrollment10 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity of Virginia
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Charlottesville, Virginia)
StatusRecruiting
StartedMay 19, 2025
Main results expectedDecember 30, 2026
Study endsDecember 31, 2026
Registry record updatedJune 9, 2026
Trial IDNCT06869343 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are individuals aged 50-85 who are undergoing reverse total shoulder arthroplasty for proximal humerus fractures.

Probably not a fit

Patients who have previously undergone rTSA on the same shoulder or those undergoing elective rTSA may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effects of early versus delayed rehabilitation on patients who undergo reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) for proximal humerus fractures. It is a randomized controlled trial where participants will be assigned to start physical rehabilitation either two weeks or six weeks after surgery. The primary focus is to assess differences in range of motion, patient-reported outcomes, and postoperative complications between the two groups. The study aims to provide insights into the optimal timing for rehabilitation to enhance recovery in this patient population.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved recovery outcomes and quality of life for patients undergoing shoulder surgery for fractures.

How similar studies have gone: While early rehabilitation has shown promise in elective rTSA cases, this specific approach in trauma settings is less explored, making it a novel investigation.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion 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

Where it's running

  • University of Virginia Medical Center
    Charlottesville, Virginia, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

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How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.