Clavicle Fracture ORIF Rehabilitation Protocols

9 Clavicle Fracture ORIF rehabilitation protocols from 9 institutions, published 2022–2025. 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 at all times x 6 wks (including sleep); remove for exercises and bathing only	No active shoulder motion x 6 wks; no lifting >5 lbs x 6 wks; no horizontal adduction x 6 wks; sling at night…
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 2-4 wks per surgeon; no active shoulder motion x 4 wks; no lifting with operative…	No active shoulder motion x 4 wks; no lifting/carrying with operative arm; no WB through operative arm; sling…
Mammoth Orthopedic Institute / Sierra Park PT	Sling at all times or per MD; no AROM/lifting/pushing/pulling x 6 wks	No AROM x 6 wks; no ER >40 deg or excessive extension x 6 wks; no supporting body weight; X-ray evidence of…
Massachusetts General Hospital	Sling at least 3 wks (remove 4x/day for exercises/ADLs); sling while sleeping; no driving…	No active shoulder motion Phase I; no lifting/carrying with involved arm; no WB through involved arm; no…
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…