Hypothesis or Purpose of the Study: The primary purpose of this study was to measure the outcome of patients with distal
radius fractures treated with hand therapy. The second purpose was to compare pain
and disability outcomes in this group with a previously reported outcome study of
275 patients. Number, selection criteria, and description of subjects: Over a 14-month
period, all patients referred to Desert Hand Therapy in Phoenix, Arizona, with distal
radius fractures were enrolled in a cohort study (n=83). Patients were excluded if they were referred for splint fabrication only and
no therapy, declined to participate in the study, or sustained concurrent wrist or
elbow pathology such as carpal fracture or elbow dislocation. The average age of patients
was 49.5 years. In 38 cases the dominant wrist was fractured and in 45 cases the nondominant
wrist was fractured. Fifty-seven patients were female and 26 were male. Patients completed
an average of 13.3 treatment sessions from initial evaluation to discharge. The largest
group, 33 patients (40%), were treated with open reduction using a volar plate and
screws. Twenty-five percent were treated with closed reduction and cast, 14% with
cast only and no reduction, 12% with percutaneous pinning and cast, 6% with dorsal
plate and screws, and 3% with screw fixation and cast.
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Publication history
Short Description: This presentation discusses the results of a prospective outcome study of 83 patients referred to hand therapy following distal radius fracture. Outcome measures include impairment (range of motion and strength), pain and disability (Patient-rated Wrist Evaluation questionnaire). These results are then compared with a previous outcome study of 275 consecutive distal radius fractures.
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© 2006 Hanley & Belfus. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
