Study on proximal humerus evaluation of effective treatment (SPHEER) - what is the effect of rehabilitation compliance on clinical outcomes of proximal humerus fractures

Introduction Proximal humeral fractures (PHFs) are 3rd commonest fragility fractures and cause significant functional impairment. This paper sought to determine impact of rehabilitation compliance on the clinical outcomes for non-surgically managed PHFs, while ascertaining reasons for non-compliance which can be addressed to improve compliance.Methods Prospective cohort study of patients undergoing non-surgical treatment for PHFs from August 2017 to April 2020 in a tertiary trauma centre was performed. Data was collected via questionnaire: patient demographic data, PHF injury details, clinical outcome measures, therapist-reported (Sport Injury Rehabilitation Adherence Scale [SIRAS]) and patient-reported (subjective compliance, frequency of exercise) rehabilitation compliance measures. Data was analysed using multiple linear regression model to account for confounding variables.Results 107 participants attended physical therapy follow-up for mean 137.8 days. 6-week SIRAS strongly predicted 3-month Constant score (p = 0.023; 95%CI = 0.265,3.423), OSS (p = 0.038; 95%CI = 0.049,1.634), flexion ROM (p < 0.001; 95%CI = 2.872,8.982), extension ROM (p = 0.035; 95%CI = 0.097,2.614), abduction ROM (p = 0.002;95%CI = 1.995,8.466) and achievement of functional active ROM at 3-months (p = 0.049; 95%CI = 1.001,1.638). Pain was the top reason impairing rehabilitation compliance from therapist (43.9% at 6-weeks and 20.6% at 3-months) and patient-perspective (33.6% at 6-weeks, 24.3% at 3-months). Author-developed patient-reported compliance measures had good correlation with validated SIRAS score (subjective compliance: p < 0.001 frequency of exercise: p = 0.001).Conclusion Rehabilitation compliance predicts short-term clinical outcomes up to 3-months and potentially 1-year outcomes. Pain control should be optimised to maximise rehabilitation compliance and improve PHF outcomes. There is lack of consensus definition for rehabilitation compliance measures; patient-reported measures used have good correlation to existing validated measures and could serve as a steppingstone for further research.Level of evidence II, cohort study.

Automated summary

This study aimed to investigate the impact of rehabilitation compliance on clinical outcomes for non-surgically managed PHFs and identify ways to improve compliance. The results showed a strong correlation between rehabilitation compliance and short-term clinical outcomes, with pain being the main reason for non-compliance.