A retrospective pilot study comparing the number of therapy visits required to regain functional wrist and forearm range of motion following volar plating of a distal radius fracture.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this retrospective study was to compare the number of therapy visits and amount of time required to achieve functional motion in patients who underwent open reduction and internal fixation of the distal radius.

METHODS

Fourteen patients started early range of motion (ROM) and nine patients started ROM exercises after six weeks. Group comparisons were performed regarding age, Upper Limb Functional Index scores across time points, forearm and wrist ROM measurements across time points, grip strength, days until goal attainment, and number of visits attended.

RESULTS

A statistically significant difference (F=6.48, p<0.005) (95% confidence interval [CI] -14.52 to -6.34) was present between groups when comparing the number of therapy visits. A statistically significant difference (F= 2.35, p<0.005) (95% CI -49.72 to -24.49) was present between groups when comparing the number of days each group took to attain functional ROM of the wrist and forearm.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.