Clavicle Fracture ORIF Rehabilitation Protocols

9 Clavicle Fracture ORIF rehabilitation protocols from 9 institutions, published 2018–2025. Weight-bearing progressions vary by institution — compare them in the table below before selecting a protocol.

Compare by institution

Institution	Weight-Bearing	Key Restrictions
Dr. Katherine J. Coyner MD (UConn Musculoskeletal Institute)	Sling wk 1 (removed for pendulum exercises); continue sling wks 2-3 (removed for…	No active shoulder motion wk 1; no resisted elbow/wrist exercises wk 1; lift nothing heavier than a pencil…
Dr. Michael C. Fu MD (Hospital for Special Surgery)	N/A	Immobilizer day and night for 4-6 weeks; Phase I ROM limits: 90 FF, 45 ER, 20 extension, 45 abduction; no…
Gundersen Health System (GLSM)	Sling x 4 wks; discontinue sling as instructed in Phase II (wks 4-6)	Sling x 4 wks; no shoulder ROM x 4 wks (active hand and wrist ROM and cervical ROM allowed); passive biceps x…
Mammoth Orthopedic Institute	Sling for 6 wks for comfort at all times unless MD specifies otherwise; NWB through…	NWB x 6 wks; no lifting >1-2 lbs x 6 wks; Phase I PROM table slides flexion to 90 deg only (PROM flexion/ABD…
Massachusetts General Hospital	Sling at least 3 wks, removed at least 4x/day for exercises and ADLs; sling while…	Phase I (1-4 wks): no active shoulder motion, no lifting or carrying with involved arm, no weight bearing…
NYU Langone Health — Mid-Shaft Clavicle ORIF	N/A	Sling 4 wks; no active IR/extension 0-4 wks; PROM in biceps flexion only 0-4 wks; ROM goals wk 1: 90 deg…
Sutter Health / Palo Alto Medical Foundation	N/A (upper extremity)	Sling at all times wks 1-3 (remove for exercises/showering); transition out of sling wks 3-4; no AROM against…
University of Virginia Orthopaedic Surgery — Clavicle…	Minimal UE WB (1-2 lbs) weeks 2-4; up to 5 lbs weeks 4-6	Sling for comfort weeks 2-4; discontinue sling at 4-6 weeks; Aspirin 325 mg daily for DVT prophylaxis…
UW Health Sports Medicine — Clavicle Open Reduction Internal…	N/A (shoulder/clavicle surgery — no WB through surgical arm)	Sling while sleeping 4 weeks; continuous sling weeks 0-2; no WB through surgical arm; no resisted IR or…