The carpus: therapist's commentary.

This paper presents an overview of therapy for the wrist after soft tissue reconstruction, arthroscopic debridement, arthroscopic ganglionectomy, total wrist arthrodesis, and vascularized bone grafts. Postoperative problems common to each of these procedures include stiffness, edema, scarring, decreased strength, and decreased use of the involved extremity. An understanding of the surgical procedure and its specific purpose is necessary for the hand therapist to formulate a plan of treatment and appropriate goals for rehabilitation. Treatment techniques and modalities for these procedures are reviewed, as well as the importance of patient education and activity modification.