Clinical Reference Only: Protocols are cataloged from third-party sources and provided for reference only. Treating clinicians must verify current accuracy and follow the operative report and surgeon's specific instructions.

Proximal Humerus Rehabilitation Protocols

3 Proximal Humerus rehabilitation protocols from 2 institutions. Weight-bearing progressions vary by institution — compare them in the table below before selecting a protocol.

Compare by institution

InstitutionWeight-BearingKey Restrictions
Saint Louis University (SLUCare) — Hemiarthroplasty N/A Sling DC post-op day 1 (worn as desired); no active shoulder motion first 6 weeks; passive motion all planes…
Saint Louis University (SLUCare) — ORIF N/A Sling for sleep and as desired; no active shoulder motion first 4 weeks; gentle passive shoulder motion all…
University of Virginia Orthopaedic Surgery — Fracture… NWB/minimal UE (1-2 lbs) weeks 2-6; up to 10 lbs weeks 6-12 Sling when awake and moving weeks 0-2; sling for comfort weeks 2-6 (remove several times daily for…

All 3 Proximal Humerus protocols

Proximal Humerus — Hemiarthroplasty
Saint Louis University (SLUCare)
Proximal Humerus — ORIF
Saint Louis University (SLUCare)
Proximal Humerus — Fracture — Non-Operative
University of Virginia Orthopaedic Surgery
10/2021

Related Shoulder topics

AC Joint Reconstruction Adhesive Capsulitis Bankart Repair Biceps Tenodesis Clavicle Fracture ORIF Latarjet Procedure Pectoralis Major Repair Posterior Shoulder Instability Repair