NCT01113411

Brief Summary

The fracture of the proximal humerus represents 4% of the fractures encountered in clinics and it must be treated surgically. Thus, the aim of the surgical treatment is to maintain bone alignment, articular congruity, vascularization of the humeral head and provide a painless shoulder with satisfactory function. The objective of this study is to demonstrate the potential benefits of an early rehabilitation program on shoulder function.

Trial Health

43
At Risk

Trial Health Score

Automated assessment based on enrollment pace, timeline, and geographic reach

Trial has exceeded expected completion date
Enrollment
80

participants targeted

Target at P50-P75 for not_applicable

Timeline
Completed

Started Dec 2009

Longer than P75 for not_applicable

Geographic Reach
1 country

1 active site

Status
unknown

Health score is calculated from publicly available data and should be used for screening purposes only.

Trial Relationships

Click on a node to explore related trials.

Study Timeline

Key milestones and dates

Study Start

First participant enrolled

December 1, 2009

Completed
5 months until next milestone

First Submitted

Initial submission to the registry

April 28, 2010

Completed
1 day until next milestone

First Posted

Study publicly available on registry

April 29, 2010

Completed
3.6 years until next milestone

Primary Completion

Last participant's last visit for primary outcome

December 1, 2013

Completed
Same day until next milestone

Study Completion

Last participant's last visit for all outcomes

December 1, 2013

Completed
Last Updated

December 20, 2012

Status Verified

December 1, 2012

Enrollment Period

4 years

First QC Date

April 28, 2010

Last Update Submit

December 19, 2012

Conditions

Keywords

humerus fracturelocked plate

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

  • Functional outcome on Constant score

    The investigators will validate that early and intensive rehabilitation gives a better functional outcome at 6 months using the Constant score adjusted for age. A difference of 10 points is considered significant (standard deviation of 15 points).

    6 months after surgery

Secondary Outcomes (18)

  • Proportion of reoperation

    within the first year following surgery

  • Loss of radiological reduction

    1 or 2 days after surgery

  • Loss of radiological reduction

    10-14 days after surgery

  • Loss of radiological reduction

    3 or 4 months after surgery

  • Loss of radiological reduction

    6 months after surgery

  • +13 more secondary outcomes

Study Arms (2)

Intensive Rehabilitation

ACTIVE COMPARATOR
Device: PHILOS™ locked plate system by Synthes Canada©Other: Early and intensive exercise program

Standard Rehabilitation

ACTIVE COMPARATOR
Device: PHILOS™ locked plate system by Synthes Canada©Other: Standard rehabilitation program

Interventions

The surgery will be performed under standardized general anesthetic with a prophylactic antibiotic. The deltopectoral approach is used in all cases. The fracture will be fixed using the PHILOS locked plate system by Synthes Canada ©. Some additional osteosutures may be used. The wound is irrigated and then closed in two layers at the end of intervention. A splint thoracic brace will be installed in all patients before the end of anesthesia.

Intensive RehabilitationStandard Rehabilitation

A thoraco brachial brace will be worn for 48 hours following the surgery and then removed for the remainder of treatment. Patients will then start the intensive rehabilitation program without physical therapy. The exercise program will be provided to the patient. The exercises consist of active and active assisted movements of the shoulder for a period of six weeks, limiting external rotation to 0 °. Patients are encouraged to use their affected limb for daily activities. Strengthening exercises are started the 6th week following surgery and the full program will be completed three months after surgery. Patients who wish can then continue their rehabilitation with a physiotherapist. The patient will complete a daily diary to validate the frequency and intensity of the exercises.

Intensive Rehabilitation

The patient will wear the thoraco brachial brace for a period of four weeks following the surgery. It may be taken off for hygiene purposes and dressing up. After the four weeks, the patient will take the brace off permanently and begins an exercise program, writing down the frequency and intensity of the exercises. Physiotherapy is allowed for the remaining part of the three months rehabilitation program.

Standard Rehabilitation

Eligibility Criteria

Age18 Years+
Sexall
Healthy VolunteersNo
Age GroupsAdult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

  • Male or female over 18 years
  • Unstable fracture of the proximal humerus
  • Two-part and three-part fractures according to the Neer classification
  • Closed fracture
  • Time between trauma and surgery less than or equal to 7 days
  • Signing of consent form

You may not qualify if:

  • Stable fracture of the proximal humerus (not requiring surgery)
  • Four-part fracture on the Neer classification
  • Fracture-dislocation or fracture involving the articular surface
  • Isolated fracture of the large or small tuberosity
  • Pathological fracture
  • Fracture associated with neuro-vascular lesions
  • Bilateral fractures
  • Fracture associated with long bones fracture
  • Polytrauma
  • Previous history of fracture or surgery to the ipsilateral proximal humerus
  • Severe COPD
  • Severe neuromuscular disorders (Parkinson, hemiparesis, myasthenia gravis, muscular dystrophy, etc. ...)
  • Remote location of patient's home which makes it difficult to come to facility for follow-up visits
  • Any medical condition making it impossible for the patient to perform the exercise program (Alzheimer, dementia, etc. ...)
  • Man or woman incapacitated sign consent form
  • +1 more criteria

Contact the study team to confirm eligibility.

Sponsors & Collaborators

Study Sites (1)

CHA-Pavillon Enfant-Jésus

Québec, Quebec, G1J 1Z4, Canada

RECRUITING

Related Publications (1)

  • Handoll HH, Elliott J, Thillemann TM, Aluko P, Brorson S. Interventions for treating proximal humeral fractures in adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2022 Jun 21;6(6):CD000434. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD000434.pub5.

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Humeral Fractures

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Arm InjuriesWounds and InjuriesFractures, Bone

Study Officials

  • Stéphane Pelet, MD, PhD

    Hôpital Enfant-Jésus

    PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
  • Annie Arteau, MD

    Hôpital Enfant-Jésus

    PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Central Study Contacts

Hélène Côté, Reg. Nurse

CONTACT

Stéphane Pelet, MD, PhD

CONTACT

Study Design

Study Type
interventional
Phase
not applicable
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Masking
NONE
Purpose
TREATMENT
Intervention Model
PARALLEL
Sponsor Type
OTHER
Responsible Party
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
PI Title
Dr Stephane Pelet MD, PhD Orthopedic surgeon

Study Record Dates

First Submitted

April 28, 2010

First Posted

April 29, 2010

Study Start

December 1, 2009

Primary Completion

December 1, 2013

Study Completion

December 1, 2013

Last Updated

December 20, 2012

Record last verified: 2012-12

Locations