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Early rehabilitation of distal radius fractures stabilized by volar locking plate: a prospective randomized pilot study
Quadlbauer S, Pezzei C, Jurkowitsch J, Kolmayr B, Keuchel T, Simon D, Hausner T, Leixnering M
Journal of Wrist Surgery 2017 May;6(2):102-112
clinical trial
7/10 [Eligibility criteria: No; Random allocation: Yes; Concealed allocation: Yes; Baseline comparability: Yes; Blind subjects: No; Blind therapists: No; Blind assessors: Yes; Adequate follow-up: Yes; Intention-to-treat analysis: No; Between-group comparisons: Yes; Point estimates and variability: Yes. Note: Eligibility criteria item does not contribute to total score] *This score has been confirmed*

BACKGROUND: Distal radius fractures are very common and an increased incidence of 50% is estimated by 2030. Therefore, both operative and postsurgical treatment remains pertinent. Main aim in treating intra-articular fractures is to restore the articular surface by internal fixation and early mobilization (EM). QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: The purpose of this study was to compare functional results between EM immediately after surgery and 5 weeks of immobilization (IM). PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a randomized prospective study, 30 patients with an isolated distal radius fracture were treated by open reduction and internal fixation using a single volar locking plate excluding bone graft. Fifteen patients were randomized in the EM group and 15 in the IM group. At 6 weeks, 9 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year postsurgery, range of motion, grip strength and x-rays were evaluated. Additionally, Quick Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) questionnaire, Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE), modified Green O'Brien (Mayo) score, and pain according to the visual analog scale score were analyzed. RESULTS: Patients in the EM group had a significantly better range of motion in the sagittal plane, in grip strength up to 6 months, in the frontal plane up to 9 weeks, and in forearm rotation up to 6 weeks. Also QuickDASH and PRWE scores were better up to 6 weeks postsurgery. The Green O'Brien score differed significantly up to 1 year. At 1 year, 93% "excellent" and "good" results in the Green O'Brien score with a mean QuickDASH of 5.98 +/- 10.94 and PRWE score of 4.27 +/- 9.23 were observed in the EM group. No differences regarding loss of reduction, pain, duration of physiotherapy, and sick leave were noted. CONCLUSION: EM of surgically treated distal radius fractures (without bone graft) is a safe method for postoperative aftercare and leads to an improved range of motion and grip strength at 6 months postsurgery compared with an IM of 5 weeks. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: This is a level Ib clinical study.

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