Olecranon Fracture Rehab Protocol

Introduction

• Indicated for non-op treatment, or ORIF.
• Protocol must be altered based on fixation strength at surgery and surgeon preference.
• Goal:  Regain full pain-free ROM of elbow and prevent shoulder and wrist stiffness.

Phase (0 to 14 days)

• Elbow active and active-assisted flexion. Passive extension.  Goal is 15° to 105° of motion by 14 days.  ROM should be performed with the arm adducted close to the body.
• Putty/grip exercises.
• Isometric strengthening exercises for the elbow and wrist.

Phase II (15 days to 6 weeks)

• Continue elbow active and active assisted flexion exercises. Passive extension. 
• Full flexion and extension ROM should be achieved by the end of 6 weeks.
• Begin light isotonic strengthening of flexion..
• Maintain shoulder, wrist, hand strength and ROM.

Phase III (7-12 weeks)

• Begin active and active assisted supination and pronation.
• Full pronation and supination should be achieved by the end of the 8^th week.
• Progressively increase isotonic strengthening in flexion.
• Begin active extension and extension strengthening once bony union is evident on xrays / indicated by surgeon.
• Work on any deficits.