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The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Sep 2015Fracture of the distal radius is a common clinical problem, particularly in older people with osteoporosis. There is considerable variation in the management, including... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Fracture of the distal radius is a common clinical problem, particularly in older people with osteoporosis. There is considerable variation in the management, including rehabilitation, of these fractures. This is an update of a Cochrane review first published in 2002 and last updated in 2006.
OBJECTIVES
To examine the effects of rehabilitation interventions in adults with conservatively or surgically treated distal radial fractures.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Bone, Joint and Muscle Trauma Group Specialised Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL 2014; Issue 12), MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, AMED, PEDro, OTseeker and other databases, trial registers, conference proceedings and reference lists of articles. We did not apply any language restrictions. The date of the last search was 12 January 2015.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi-RCTs evaluating rehabilitation as part of the management of fractures of the distal radius sustained by adults. Rehabilitation interventions such as active and passive mobilisation exercises, and training for activities of daily living, could be used on their own or in combination, and be applied in various ways by various clinicians.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
The review authors independently screened and selected trials, and reviewed eligible trials. We contacted study authors for additional information. We did not pool data.
MAIN RESULTS
We included 26 trials, involving 1269 mainly female and older patients. With few exceptions, these studies did not include people with serious fracture or treatment-related complications, or older people with comorbidities and poor overall function that would have precluded trial participation or required more intensive treatment. Only four of the 23 comparisons covered by these 26 trials were evaluated by more than one trial. Participants of 15 trials were initially treated conservatively, involving plaster cast immobilisation. Initial treatment was surgery (external fixation or internal fixation) for all participants in five trials. Initial treatment was either surgery or plaster cast alone in six trials. Rehabilitation started during immobilisation in seven trials and after post-immobilisation in the other 19 trials. As well as being small, the majority of the included trials had methodological shortcomings and were at high risk of bias, usually related to lack of blinding, that could affect the validity of their findings. Based on GRADE criteria for assessment quality, we rated the evidence for each of the 23 comparisons as either low or very low quality; both ratings indicate considerable uncertainty in the findings.For interventions started during immobilisation, there was very low quality evidence of improved hand function for hand therapy compared with instructions only at four days after plaster cast removal, with some beneficial effects continuing one month later (one trial, 17 participants). There was very low quality evidence of improved hand function in the short-term, but not in the longer-term (three months), for early occupational therapy (one trial, 40 participants), and of a lack of differences in outcome between supervised and unsupervised exercises (one trial, 96 participants).Four trials separately provided very low quality evidence of clinically marginal benefits of specific interventions applied in addition to standard care (therapist-applied programme of digit mobilisation during external fixation (22 participants); pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) during cast immobilisation (60 participants); cyclic pneumatic soft tissue compression using an inflatable cuff placed under the plaster cast (19 participants); and cross-education involving strength training of the non-fractured hand during cast immobilisation with or without surgical repair (39 participants)).For interventions started post-immobilisation, there was very low quality evidence from one study (47 participants) of improved function for a single session of physiotherapy, primarily advice and instructions for a home exercise programme, compared with 'no intervention' after cast removal. There was low quality evidence from four heterogeneous trials (30, 33, 66 and 75 participants) of a lack of clinically important differences in outcome in patients receiving routine physiotherapy or occupational therapy in addition to instructions for home exercises versus instructions for home exercises from a therapist. There was very low quality evidence of better short-term hand function in participants given physiotherapy than in those given either instructions for home exercises by a surgeon (16 participants, one trial) or a progressive home exercise programme (20 participants, one trial). Both trials (46 and 76 participants) comparing physiotherapy or occupational therapy versus a progressive home exercise programme after volar plate fixation provided low quality evidence in favour of a structured programme of home exercises preceded by instructions or coaching. One trial (63 participants) provided very low quality evidence of a short-term, but not persisting, benefit of accelerated compared with usual rehabilitation after volar plate fixation.For trials testing single interventions applied post-immobilisation, there was very low quality evidence of no clinically significant differences in outcome in patients receiving passive mobilisation (69 participants, two trials), ice (83 participants, one trial), PEMF (83 participants, one trial), PEMF plus ice (39 participants, one trial), whirlpool immersion (24 participants, one trial), and dynamic extension splint for patients with wrist contracture (40 participants, one trial), compared with no intervention. This finding applied also to the trial (44 participants) comparing PEMF versus ice, and the trial (29 participants) comparing manual oedema mobilisation versus traditional oedema treatment. There was very low quality evidence from single trials of a short-term benefit of continuous passive motion post-external fixation (seven participants), intermittent pneumatic compression (31 participants) and ultrasound (38 participants).
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
The available evidence from RCTs is insufficient to establish the relative effectiveness of the various interventions used in the rehabilitation of adults with fractures of the distal radius. Further randomised trials are warranted. However, in order to optimise research effort and engender the large multicentre randomised trials that are required to inform practice, these should be preceded by research that aims to identify priority questions.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Female; Fractures, Bone; Humans; Male; Physical Therapy Modalities; Radius Fractures; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Wrist Injuries
PubMed: 26403335
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003324.pub3 -
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Aug 2019Older patients are frequently referred to hand therapy after distal radius fracture. Supervised therapy sessions place a transportation burden on patients and are costly... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Randomized Controlled Trial
The Relationship between Hand Therapy and Long-Term Outcomes after Distal Radius Fracture in Older Adults: Evidence from the Randomized Wrist and Radius Injury Surgical Trial.
BACKGROUND
Older patients are frequently referred to hand therapy after distal radius fracture. Supervised therapy sessions place a transportation burden on patients and are costly on both the individual and systematic levels. Furthermore, there is little evidence that supervised therapy or home exercises improve long-term outcomes.
METHODS
Data were collected for the Wrist and Radius Injury Surgical Trial, a multicenter, international, pragmatic, randomized trial of distal radius fracture treatment in patients aged 60 years and older. Referral to therapy and therapy protocol were at the discretion of the treating surgeon and therapist. The authors examined outcomes between participants who underwent therapy and those who did not and assessed the duration of therapy. The authors also analyzed the effect of therapy on subgroups at risk for poor outcomes: older participants and those who had more comorbidities or lower baseline activity.
RESULTS
Eighty percent of participants underwent therapy; 70 percent participated in both supervised therapy and home exercises. Participants had a mean 9.2 supervised sessions over 14.2 weeks. There were no differences in patient-reported outcomes between participants who underwent therapy and those who did not. Participants who did not have therapy recovered more grip strength. Participants who engaged in therapy for a shorter time reported greater function, ability to work, and satisfaction. There were no relationships revealed in subgroup analyses.
CONCLUSIONS
Hand therapy after distal radius fracture may not be necessary for older patients. Encouraging participants to resume activities of daily living as soon as possible may be as effective as formal therapy.
CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Therapeutic, II.
Topics: Age Factors; Aged; Exercise Therapy; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Fracture Fixation, Internal; Hand; Humans; Injury Severity Score; Male; Middle Aged; Postoperative Care; Radius Fractures; Range of Motion, Articular; Risk Assessment; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome; Wrist Injuries
PubMed: 31348349
DOI: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000005829 -
Hand Clinics Nov 2017After reviewing this article, readers should have a comprehensive understanding of the indications for diagnostic arthroscopy, technical considerations in performing a... (Review)
Review
After reviewing this article, readers should have a comprehensive understanding of the indications for diagnostic arthroscopy, technical considerations in performing a systematic evaluation of the wrist, and limitations of this technique.
Topics: Arthroscopes; Arthroscopy; Cartilage, Articular; Humans; Ligaments, Articular; Wrist Injuries; Wrist Joint
PubMed: 28991570
DOI: 10.1016/j.hcl.2017.06.004 -
Annals of Medicine 2023Distal radius fracture (DRF) is a common injury in the upper extremities. Blood flow restriction (BFR) has been proven to be effective in improving function in low-load... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
INTRODUCTION
Distal radius fracture (DRF) is a common injury in the upper extremities. Blood flow restriction (BFR) has been proven to be effective in improving function in low-load training, which is suitable for post-op rehabilitation. We explored the effectiveness and safety of BFR therapy in DRF patients who underwent surgery.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Thirty-five patients were randomly assigned to either the BFR or the regular training (RT; no BFR therapy) groups. All patients completed the same 4-week postoperative rehabilitation program, including anti-inflammatory treatments, strengthening and range of motion (ROM) training. In the BFR group, the pressure was 120 mmHg in strengthening training course. Pain, circumferences of wrists and forearms, ROM, muscle strength, and D-dimer levels were evaluated at weeks 0, 2, and 4. Radius union scoring system (RUSS) was measured at weeks 4 and 12. Finally, wrist functionality (Cooney modification) was evaluated at week 12.
RESULTS
The BFR group had significantly decreased pain levels compared with the RT group ( < 0.01, effect size= 2.33, -2.44 at weeks 2 and 4). Swelling was effectively relieved in both groups. The wrist swelling was less in the BFR group ( < 0.01, effect size = -2.17 at week 4). The isometric strength of wrist extension ( < 0.01, effect size = 1.5, 3.02 at weeks 2 and 4), flexion ( < 0.01, effect size = 1.33, 2.53 at weeks 2 and 4), and functionality significantly increased in the BFR group ( < 0.01, effect size = 2.80 at week 12). No risk of VT in the BFR group was found. BFR did not threaten bone healing.
CONCLUSIONS
In patients with DRF who underwent corrective surgery, BFR therapy effectively relieved pain and swelling, increased muscle strength and wrist function, and had no additional risks for bone healing and VT.
Topics: Humans; Blood Flow Restriction Therapy; Resistance Training; Wrist Fractures; Muscle Strength; Pain
PubMed: 37505919
DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2023.2240329 -
Clinics in Plastic Surgery Jul 2019Hand and wrist fractures are common in the pediatric population. Accurate diagnosis relies on the understanding of the physeal anatomy and carpal ossification. Treatment... (Review)
Review
Hand and wrist fractures are common in the pediatric population. Accurate diagnosis relies on the understanding of the physeal anatomy and carpal ossification. Treatment of these fractures is largely influenced by physeal biology and compliance with treatment. A majority have a favorable outcome with nonoperative treatment. Operative treatment should be considered in patients with clinical deformity, open fractures, and significant fracture displacement. Physeal-friendly surgical approaches and implants should be used to minimize the sequelae of physeal injury.
Topics: Adolescent; Age Factors; Child; Child, Preschool; Hand Bones; Hand Injuries; Humans; Infant; Intra-Articular Fractures; Wrist Injuries
PubMed: 31103087
DOI: 10.1016/j.cps.2019.02.012 -
BMJ Case Reports Jan 2021A pisiform dislocation is an uncommon injury which can lead to significant morbidity if missed. The literature regarding pisiform dislocation is limited and largely from...
A pisiform dislocation is an uncommon injury which can lead to significant morbidity if missed. The literature regarding pisiform dislocation is limited and largely from case reports. In this case, we present a 51-year-old right-hand dominant male who sustained the injury after a fall. He attended the emergency department on the same day and a closed reduction was able to be performed under a haematoma block. On review in follow-up clinic the patient's symptoms had completely resolved.
Topics: Accidental Falls; Casts, Surgical; Closed Fracture Reduction; Humans; Joint Dislocations; Male; Middle Aged; Pisiform Bone; Treatment Outcome; Wrist Injuries
PubMed: 33408102
DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2020-237482 -
BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders Feb 2020Distal radius fractures are the most common of all fractures. Optimal treatment is still debated. Previous studies report substantial changes in treatment trends in... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
Epidemiology, classification, treatment and mortality of distal radius fractures in adults: an observational study of 23,394 fractures from the national Swedish fracture register.
BACKGROUND
Distal radius fractures are the most common of all fractures. Optimal treatment is still debated. Previous studies report substantial changes in treatment trends in recent decades. Few nation-wide studies on distal radius fracture epidemiology and treatment exist, none of which provide detailed data on patient and injury characteristics, fracture pattern and mortality. The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiology, fracture classification, current treatment regimens and mortality of distal radius fractures in adults within the context of a large national register study.
METHODS
We performed a descriptive study using prospectively registered data from the Swedish fracture register. Included were all non-pathological distal radius fractures registered between January 1st 2015 and December 31st 2017 in patients aged 18 years and above. Nominal variables were presented as proportions of all registered fractures.
RESULTS
A total of 23,394 distal radius fractures in 22,962 patients were identified. The mean age was 62.7 ± 17.6 years for all, 65.4 ± 16.0 for women and 53.6 ± 20.0 for men. A simple fall was the most common cause of injury (75%, n = 17,643/23,394). One third (33%, n = 7783/21,723) of all fractures occurred at the patients' residence. 65% (n = 15,178/23,394) of all fractures were classified as extra-articular AO-23-A, 12% (n = 2770/23,394) as partially intra-articular AO-23-B and 23% (n = 5446/23,394) as intra-articular AO-23-C. The primary treatment was non-surgical for 74% (n = 17,358/23,369) and surgical for 26% (n = 6011/23,369) of all fractures. Only 18% of the AO-23-A fractures were treated surgically, compared to 48% of the AO-23-C fractures. The most frequently used surgical method was plate fixation (82%, n = 4954/5972), followed by pin/wire fixation (8.2%, n = 490/5972), external fixation (4.8%, n = 289/5972) and other methods (4.0%, n = 239/5972). The overall 30-day mortality was 0.4% (n = 98/23,394) and the 1-year mortality 2.9% (n = 679/23,394).
CONCLUSION
This nation-wide observational study provides comprehensive data on the epidemiology, fracture classification and current treatment regimens of distal radius fractures in a western European setting. The most common patient was an eldery woman who sustained a distal radius fracture through a simple fall in her own residence, and whose fracture was extra-articluar and treated non-surgically.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Radius Fractures; Registries; Sweden; Wrist Injuries; Young Adult
PubMed: 32035488
DOI: 10.1186/s12891-020-3097-8 -
Orthopaedics & Traumatology, Surgery &... Feb 2016High-energy injuries to the wrist gather complex fractures of the distal radius, radiocarpal dislocations, perilunate dislocations, and other intracarpal dislocations.... (Review)
Review
High-energy injuries to the wrist gather complex fractures of the distal radius, radiocarpal dislocations, perilunate dislocations, and other intracarpal dislocations. Depending on the energy of the injury and the position of the wrist at the time of impact, the patient, often a young male with a high functional demand, presents one of these injuries associating fracture(s) and ligament injury. The trauma is often bilateral, with proximal lesions (elbow) very often associated with contusion or compression of the median nerve. Diagnosis is confirmed by wrist X-rays, which are sufficient to determine treatment for radiocarpal and perilunate dislocations. In cases of distal radius fractures or other intracarpal dislocations, a preoperative CT is necessary. Reduction of the dislocation and relief of neurovascular compression are performed immediately. The final treatment of each lesion (bone fixation, ligament repair) can be undertaken simultaneously or delayed, depending on the patient and the lesions. Cartilage lesions, resulting from the high-energy injury, can be estimated using arthroscopy but cannot be repaired and determine the prognosis. The surgeon's objective is to restore joint congruence, which does not prevent stiffness, the main complication of these rare injuries, which the surgeon must know how to recognize and treat.
Topics: Arthroscopy; Carpal Joints; Elbow Joint; Humans; Joint Dislocations; Radiography; Radius Fractures; Wrist Injuries; Wrist Joint
PubMed: 26782706
DOI: 10.1016/j.otsr.2015.05.009 -
The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery.... Mar 2020
Topics: Hand; Hand Injuries; Humans; Musculoskeletal Diseases; Orthopedic Procedures; Wrist; Wrist Injuries
PubMed: 31977821
DOI: 10.2106/JBJS.19.01333