Proximal Humerus — Fracture — Non-Operative

University of Virginia Orthopaedic Surgery

Weight-Bearing

NWB/minimal UE (1-2 lbs) weeks 2-6; up to 10 lbs weeks 6-12

Key Restrictions

Sling when awake and moving weeks 0-2; sling for comfort weeks 2-6 (remove several times daily for elbow/wrist stretching); discontinue sling at 6 weeks; use pain as guide throughout; no active shoulder ROM until week 6

Timeline & Phases

0-2 wks: sling when awake, elbow/wrist stretching, comfortable sleep positioning; 2-6 wks: 1-2 lb UE WB, sling for comfort, pendulums, AAROM/PROM (forward elevation, supported rotation); 6-12 wks: up to 10 lb WB, discontinue sling, outpatient PT, active ROM (wall walks, elevation, abduction), shoulder isometrics (ext/ER/IR/add/abd), isotonic IR/ER with <5 lbs

Notes

UVA Orthopaedic Trauma; HEP-based protocol (3 sessions/day, 10 reps); pain as primary guide; outpatient PT begins at 6 weeks; exercise program identical to UVA clavicle non-op protocol; active ROM and strengthening delayed until 6 weeks to protect fracture healing

Published

10/2021