Physiotherapy For Wrist Fractures

Abstract

Objet: Determine the effects of two different types of postoperative therapy after wrist fracture surgery. Treatment by a physical therapist in 12 sessions, and unassisted at-home exercise programs.

Design: Cohort study with randomized control.

Setup: Orthopedic surgery is performed in a hospital.

Volunteers: (N=48), with fractures at the distal radius following internal fixation using locking plates. After the exclusion of 2 people due to additional physiotherapy sessions than required for this study, 46 patients were still available for followup.

Interventions are not applicable

Evaluation of grip strength using the Jamar Dynamometer (ROM), range of motion and patient-related wrist evaluation (PRWE) were the major outcome measures.

Results: After a 6-week period of postoperative treatment, the patients (n=23) performing an independent home exercise program using a training diary showed a significantly greater improvement of the functionality of the wrist. Grip strength was 54%, and extension and flexion ROM were 79% for the injury side (P.001). This group also had higher ulnar and radio abduction. However, patients receiving treatment by a physicaltherapist experienced grip strength that was equal to 32%. Additionally, the patient’s ROM in extension/flexion was 52% lower than those who did not have injuries. The wrist function of patients who received home training following surgery was improved by nearly half (P.001), according to the PRWE score.

Conclusions. Instructions for a home exercise program can be an effective option to traditional physical therapy in the recovery of wrist fractures.

How to Expect Wrist Fractures from Therapy

Everyday function depends on your wrist and hand. Until we injure we take these functions for granted.

Though no one imagines this happening, wrist fractures happen all the time. You should get this injury treated immediately, regardless of whether it’s from an icy or wintry environment. Over the past 35 years, I’ve seen how important it is to have a specialized program that includes exercise as well as “hands on”

“>physiotherapy for wrist fractures. This way, you have the best chance to restore your normal life as quickly and easily as possible.

Here are some things you need to know if you’ve recently fractured your wrist.

Why do we break our wrists?

When we fall, we instinctively reach for our arms to protect our wrists. Wrist fractures can easily be caused when you land hard on your hands. As you land on the palm of your hand the wrist is forced backwards adding a bending force to the bone in the forearm. Colles fracture is most common in the arm. This fracture involves the break of one of two radius bones (the other being the ulna). The injury is known as a FOOSH in medical terms. Fault (O) upon (OS) one’s outstretched hand (H). The area affected by Colles fractures is shown in the arrow/black shading. If we fall off of a ladder, or descend stairs, a fractured bone can be more likely. Osteoporosis can make it easier for bones to fracture. Osteoporosis tends to affect only older individuals, but it may also occur in younger people. To determine the health of your bones, your family physician should order a Bone Density Test.

What is the cause of this injury?

Right after the fall you may wonder if you have a broken bone or just a sprain. A broken bone can cause severe pain and swelling in the wrist. When you view the forearm sideways, you will see that the bones look almost like a dinner knife. Colles fractures are easily identified by the presence of “dinner fork defects”. The above symptoms should be reported to your doctor immediately. An X-Ray can confirm that the fractured bone has occurred.

Care and Treatment: What you can Expect A surgeon or orthopaedic specialist at the hospital will inspect your wrist, examine it, and then take X-Rays. To determine what the best course is of action. Six weeks is the standard time frame for treating most broken bones. While healing takes place, the cast keeps the bone in its correct location. To reduce stiffness, you can move your thumb, fingers, elbow, shoulder, and thumb while you’re in the cast.

For confirmation that healing is proceeding, you will need to have a second X-ray. Referring to Physiotherapy for an assessment of hand, wrist and strength is strongly recommended once healing has been confirmed. A specific treatment plan can then be made to help you regain function as soon as possible.

How long is it going to take to recuperate?

.Physiotherapy For Wrist Fractures

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