Wrist

Prosthesis

Surgery

Computer security

RADIUS

Computer science

Environmental health

Rehabilitation

Mathematics

Physical therapy

Population

Orthopedic surgery

Geometry

Orthodontics

External fixation

Medicine

Physical medicine and rehabilitation

Distal radius fracture

Fixation (population genetics)

Osteosynthesis

Reduction (mathematics)

Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery

Although the literature generally agrees that displaced distal radius fractures require surgery, no single consensus exists concerning the length of immobilization and type of post-operative physiotherapeutic rehabilitation program. Palmar locking plate fixation represents a very stable fixation of the distal radius, and was assessed biomechanically in various studies. Surprisingly, most authors report additional immobilization after plate fixation. One reason might be due to the pain caused during active wrist mobilization in the early post-operative stages or secondly to protect the osteosynthesis in the early healing stages preventing secondary loss of reduction. This article addresses the biomechanical principles, current available evidence for early mobilization/immobilization and impact of physiotherapy after operatively treated distal radius fractures.

Rehabilitation after distal radius fractures: is there a need for immobilization and physiotherapy?