Clavicle Fracture ORIF

Dr. Katherine J. Coyner MD (UConn Musculoskeletal Institute) · Dr. Katherine J. Coyner MD

Weight-Bearing

Sling wk 1 (removed for pendulum exercises); continue sling wks 2-3 (removed for exercises); begin weaning from sling wks 4-5

Key Restrictions

No active shoulder motion wk 1; no resisted elbow/wrist exercises wk 1; lift nothing heavier than a pencil with operative hand wks 2-5; full active and passive motion at wks 4-5 only if X-rays show no change in hardware; resistance exercises at wks 6-8 only if radiographs show signs of union, lifting limited to a carton of milk; aggressive shoulder rehab and return-to-sport training at wks 8-12 only after union and 2 wks of resistance exercises

Timeline & Phases

Week-based progression: Week 1 (sling, pendulums, elbow/wrist AROM), Weeks 2-3 (AAROM, rope/pulley for flexion/scaption), Weeks 4-5 (wean sling, full A/PROM if hardware unchanged on X-ray), Weeks 6-8 (begin resistance and strengthening if radiographs show union), Weeks 8-12 (aggressive rehab: progressive and eccentric strengthening, plyo-toss, PNF patterns, military/bench press, lat pull-downs, interval throwing and light plyometrics, then return to play after painless function and strength return)

Notes

UConn academic center; progression gated by follow-up radiographs throughout; PT should begin within 1.5-2 wks post-op; monitor swelling, abnormal pain or night pain, severe ROM limits and weakness; return to intense activity requires complete bone healing plus return of strength and motion

Surgeon / Author

Dr. Katherine J. Coyner MD