Proximal Humerus Fracture — ORIF (Post-Operative)

University of Virginia Orthopaedic Surgery

Weight-Bearing

Minimal UE WB (1-2 lbs) weeks 2-6; WBAT weeks 6-12 unless instructed otherwise by physician

Key Restrictions

Sling for comfort weeks 2-6; discontinue sling at 6 weeks; Aspirin 325 mg daily (discontinue at 6-12 weeks); PROM/AAROM only weeks 2-6; active ROM and progressive strengthening from week 6; longer protection phase than clavicle ORIF

Timeline & Phases

2-6 wks: 1-2 lb WB, sling for comfort, Aspirin 325 mg, elbow/wrist stretching, pendulums, AAROM/PROM (forward elevation, supported rotation); 6-12 wks: WBAT (per physician), discontinue sling and Aspirin, outpatient PT, active ROM (wall walks, elevation, abduction — 3 reps only), shoulder isometrics (ext/ER/IR/add/abd), isotonic IR/ER with <5 lbs

Notes

UVA Orthopaedic Trauma; Aspirin 325 mg discontinued at 6-12 weeks (vs. ongoing in clavicle ORIF); WBAT from week 6 (vs. 5-lb limit for clavicle ORIF); 2-phase protocol; PROM/AAROM phase lasts 4 weeks (vs. 2 weeks for clavicle ORIF) reflecting greater surgical complexity; outpatient PT from week 6

Published

10/2021