Summary
Evidence from five small, quasi-randomized control trials (class of evidence II) indicates
that initially, range of motion may be better for patients with early mobilization
compared with delayed mobilization; however, differences were minimized by three to
six months. Early mobilization patients may experience greater joint motion and return
to work sooner. There is no significant difference in reports of pain between treatment
groups. Additional rigorous comparative studies that use validated assessments and
are large enough to detect rare complications (ie, nonunion, rotation) are needed.
