Effects of Early Manual Therapy on Functional Outcomes After Volar Plating of Distal Radius Fractures

Effects of Early Manual Therapy on Functional Outcomes After Volar Plating of Distal Radius Fractures: A Randomized Controlled Trial

The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of early manual therapy on function, pain, range of motion (ROM), hand and pinch grip strength and disability level in patients underwent volar plating after distal radius fracture (DRF). Patients were randomly divided into two groups: Routin Physiotherapy (RP) or Early Manual Therapy (EMT). While RP group received routine physiotherapy, EMT group received routine physiotherapy plus Mulligan's Mobilization With Movement technique. All treatments were done two sessions a week, through 12 weeks. Function, pain, range of motion (ROM), hand and pinch grip strength and disability level of patients were assessed. Measurements were made at postoperative week 3, 6 and 12.

Inclusion Criteria:

• An age of eighteen years or older
• An unstable fracture of the distal end of the radius
• Fixation with a volar locking plate
• Able to read, write, and understand Turkish
• Willing and able to attend the study

Exclusion Criteria:

• Previous fracture on the injured side
• Concurrent fracture in contralateral upper extremity
• Accompanied bony and soft tissue injuries other than radius fracture
• Inflammatory joint diseases, metabolic diseases and neurological diseases
• Mental and cognitive disorders that would seriously affect cooperation