BACKGROUND: Proximal humerus fractures are common in older adults, and complex variants are often treated surgically. However, non-surgical management with structured rehabilitation may be a viable alternative in select cases. CASE PRESENTATION: A 62-year-old male truck driver sustained a displaced comminuted intra-articular proximal humerus fracture from a ground-level fall. Due to fear of surgery, he opted for non-surgical management. Rehabilitation focused on pain management, gradual mobility restoration, and strength progression. OUTCOME AND FOLLOW-UP: The patient’s DASH score improved from 77% to 33%, pain decreased substantially, and functional strength improved. He returned to work, and radiographic union was confirmed at six months. DISCUSSION: This case illustrates how individualized, phase-based non-surgical rehabilitation can support functional recovery in complex shoulder fractures, reinforcing the role of patient-centered decision-making.
Morgan et al. (Fri,) studied this question.