The Effects of Whirlpool and Contrast Bath in Patients with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome After Distal Radius Fracture

The Effects of Whirlpool Bath and Contrast Bath Treatments on Pain, Disability, Functionality and Grip Strength in Patients with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome After Distal Radius Fracture

The aim of our study is to investigate the effects of whirlpool bath and contrast bath treatments on pain, disability, functionality and grip strength in patients with complex regional pain syndrome after distal radius fracture.

Distal radius fractures are the most common fracture type among all body bone fractures. Fractures generally occur in elderly patients caused by low-energy trauma due to decreased bone quality. In young patients, they mostly occur due to traumas such as traffic accidents, falls from heights and sports injuries.

One of the important complications seen after distal radius fractures is complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). Complex regional pain syndrome represents a complication following distal radius fractures that is still not fully understood etiologically.

Studies have shown that complex regional pain syndrome is commonly diagnosed among patients recovering from a fracture of the distal radius with a reported incidence as high as 37%. It is characterized by excessive pain (allodynia and/or hyperalgesia), edema, local blood flow changes and abnormality of the sudomotor nerve.

There are hardly any studies with a sufficient evidence level to make recommendations for treatments for CRPS-1; therefore, treatment is based on symptom management. Prevention of CRPS-1, after a distal radius fracture is important as this syndrome might lead to chronic pain and serious disabilities. In several studies, it was shown that CRPS-1 can be cured with exercise and graded activities. The main goals of physiotherapy are to reduce pain, regain range of motion, and increase muscle strength and function.

Whirlpool bath and contrast bath treatments are physical therapy methods that has been used safely in complex regional pain syndrome treatment for many years.

Whirlpool baths are local baths where the extremities are immersed in rapidly circulating water. The swirling water produced by the whirlpool bath creates a massaging effect on the body, which can help relieve muscle tension and alleviate pain. The combination of warm water and hydrostatic pressure can also enhance blood circulation and improve joint mobility.

Contrast baths constitute a thermal modality whereby the hand is alternately immersed in hot and cold water for a specified temperature, time, and duration to therapeutically decrease edema, stiffness, pain and increase functionality in cases of complex regional pain syndrome after fractures.

Our primary aim is to investigate the effects of whirlpool bath and contrast bath treatments on pain, disability, functionality and grip strength in patients who were followed conservatively with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS-1) after distal radius fracture.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients with complex regional pain syndrome type-1 (CRPS-type 1) after distal radius fracture, who were followed conservatively (long/short arm splint-cast) between the ages of 18-70, who applied to AFSU Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinic. It is planned to use the Budapest diagnostic criteria for the diagnosis of CRPS Type 1.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Orthopedic injuries (other accompanying orthopedic fractures, such as ulna fracture, carpal bone fractures),
• Other system injuries,
• Patients whose distal radius fractures were surgically treated,
• Patients who had previously undergone surgery on the same upper extremity,
• Nerve, tendon and artery injuries accompanying the fracture,
• Other neurological, orthopedic or rheumatological problems affecting the same upper extremity,
• Serious cardiovascular disease,
• Presence of active infection, active dermatitis, skin diseases such as pemphigus, febrile diseases,
• Presence of a fixed catheter in the area,
• Impaired temperature sensationin in the area.