OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether progressive early digit mobilization resulted in better outcomes for hand stiffness and related functional results, as well as the effects on the bone healing process. DESIGN: Prospective, pilot randomized controlled trial. SETTING: A university hospital in southern Taiwan. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-two patients with distal radius fracture randomized into two groups: early digit mobilization or control. INTERVENTIONS: The intervention group received 45 minutes per treatment session and three sessions per week until the external fixator was removed 6 weeks after fracture. The control group received usual home programmes. After removing fixators, both groups received regular rehabilitation programmes until 12 weeks after surgery. MAIN MEASURES: Hand strength, dexterity and functional outcomes were obtained using a dynamometer, Purdue pegboard and self-report assessment, respectively, and x-rays of the distal radius were taken to reveal bone healing 1, 3, 6 and 12 weeks after surgery. A motion tracking system measured various kinematic parameters. RESULTS: The recovery rates between the groups showed statistically significant differences in both thumb workspace (81.55% versus 69.54%, p = 0.04) and finger workspace (89.22% versus 59.97%, p = 0.03) 12 weeks after injury. However, no statistical differences were found in finger dexterity, strength and self-reported outcomes. The radiographic assessment showed no significant differences between the groups for radial inclination, radial height and volar tilt throughout the examinations. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that early rehabilitative intervention for digits is applicable for distal radius fracture treatment, and does not produce additional bone deformities.

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