Rehabilitation protocol
Clavicle Fracture ORIF Rehabilitation Protocol
The current rehabilitation used after a collarbone (clavicle) fracture is fixed surgically (ORIF). Because the bone was fixed, the early plan differs from non-operative care; motion and strength are then restored in stages. Your surgical team will tailor it to you — always follow the individualized plan they give you.
Who this protocol is for
Applies to a collarbone (clavicle) fracture treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). It does NOT apply to a clavicle fracture treated without surgery (which follows the non-operative clavicle fracture protocol), to other fracture operations, or to a revision, nonunion, or malunion procedure. If your operation was different, or a surgeon selects a different plan, follow that individualized plan instead. The operative note and surgeon-selected protocol take precedence, and patients should use only the protocol identified by their surgical team.
What this protocol covers
- Rehabilitation AFTER a collarbone fracture is fixed surgically (ORIF).
- It does NOT apply to a collarbone fracture treated without surgery, to other fracture operations, or to a revision, nonunion, or malunion procedure.
- A revision, an open fracture, a nerve or blood-vessel injury, or another surgeon-selected plan follows that individualized plan instead.
- Your surgical team selects the protocol — use only the one you are given, and follow your operative note.
If your surgery was a revision, complex, or a different operation
This protocol applies to a collarbone fracture fixed with ORIF. It does not apply to other fracture operations, or to a revision, nonunion, or malunion procedure — those follow a different, surgeon-selected plan. An open fracture, a nerve or blood-vessel injury, or other injuries treated at the same time may change the plan. This protocol never substitutes for your operative note or the plan your surgeon selected — follow the individualized instructions your surgical team gives you.
How rehabilitation is generally structured
Rehabilitation after this procedure is usually organized into progressive phases. The phases below describe the general shape only — specific exercises, precautions, and timelines are individual and are set by your surgeon and physical therapist.
Period of protection
The earliest period after surgery, focused on protecting the fixation and the healing bone and controlling pain, while keeping the elbow, wrist, and hand moving within the limits your surgeon sets.
Early protected motion
Gradually restoring shoulder motion within the limits your surgeon sets while the bone heals.
Strengthening
Progressively rebuilding shoulder strength and control as motion returns and healing allows.
Return to activity
A criteria-based return toward full activity and, when appropriate, sport — guided by full motion, adequate strength, and physician clearance (with radiographic healing before contact activity) rather than a fixed calendar.
This overview describes the general structure of rehabilitation only. It does not replace the specific instructions of your own care team, whose guidance always takes precedence. Timelines and precautions are individual and are set for you at your appointments — and if you had surgery, your operative note takes precedence. Use only the protocol your care team selected for you.