Adam Seidl, MD - Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon - Shoulder and Elbow Specialist

Adam Seidl, MDBoard Certified Orthopaedic SurgeonShoulder and Elbow Specialist

Distal Humerus ORIF

Phase I: Early ROM & Protect Fixation (0 to 4 weeks)

  • Splint and postop dressing remains in place for the first 2 weeks.
  • Hinged Elbow Brace worn at all times (after the initial dressing removed)
  • Initiate elbow exercise program 5 times per day:
    • Passive extension to 0 degrees as tolerated
    • Active flexion to 90 as tolerated
    • Progress to full Supination/Pronation
  • Shoulder/wrist/hand exercises encouraged
  • Edema control
  • Avoid active elbow extension x 6 wks postop
  • Grip and wrist/hand AROM immediately.
  • Perform supination ROM only with the elbow flexed to 90 degrees.

Phase II: Advance ROM and function (4-6 weeks)

  • Passive extension to 0 degrees as tolerated
  • Active/Passive flexion may increase by 10 degrees per week as tolerated
  • Progress to full Supination/Pronation
  • Progress to active/active assist ROM
  • Begin wrist, forearm, and hand/finger strengthening exercises

Phase III: Full ROM and function (6-10 weeks)

  • Wean from brace once fracture healing on XRAY (6-8 wks)
  • May begin static progressive splinting if failure to achieve >100 degree arc ROM by 8 wks
  • Begin active elbow extension
  • Progress with strengthening slowly
    • -5 lbs lifting restriction at 6 wks
    • -15 lbs lifting restriction at 8 wks
  • Transition to HEP by 8-10 wks

Phase IV: Full ROM and function (10-12+ weeks)

  • Gradually return to light activity and exercise
  • No further activity restrictions after 12 weeks

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Location Map

  • Orthopedics - University of Colorado Hospital

    1635 Aurora Ct,4th Floor
    Aurora, CO 80045

  • Highlands Ranch Hospital

    1500 Park Central Dr #401,
    Highlands Ranch,CO 80129

  • UCHealth Steadman Hawkins Clinic Denver

    175 Inverness Drive West, Suite 200,
    Englewood, CO 80112

Credibility Logos

  • The American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery logo
  • American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons logo
  • American Shoulder And Elbow Surgeons logo
  • Western Orthopaedic Association logo
  • Alpha Omega Alpha
  • Moon Shoulder