Immediate Mobilization Versus 2 Weeks Cast Immobilization After Distal Radius Fracture Treated With Volar Locking Plate

Immediate Mobilization Versus 2 Weeks Cast Immobilization After Distal Radius Fracture Treated With Volar Locking Plate - a Study Protocol for a Prospective, Randomized, Controlled Trial

The aim of this study is to analyze total lenght of the sick leace and functional outcome (PRWE) at 2 months between 2 weeks casting and immediate mobilization following volar plating for a DRF.

This study is a prospective, randomized, controlled trial. The aim of this study will be to compare the early postoperative outcomes of the patients enrolled in the early mobilization with those patients in post-operative 2-week casting following volar plating for a DRF. Co-primary outcome in this study will be the total lenght of sick leave and Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) 2 months after the operation.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Intra- or extra articular DRF (Colles, Smith, Volar barton)
• operative treatment justified

Exclusion Criteria:

• Refusal to participate in the study
• Open fracture with a severity greater than Gustilo grade 1
• Patient aged less than 18 or over 65
• Patient does not understand written or spoken guidance in local languages
• Pathological fracture
• Previous fracture in the same wrist or forearm in the last 10 years, that has led to impairment of function
• Ipsilateral fracture in upper extremity
• Associated fractures of the ulna (except fractures of the PSU)
• Polytrauma