Article

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether progressive early digit mobilization resulted
in better outcomes for hand stiffness and related functional results, as well as
the effects on the bone healing process. DESIGN:
Prospective, pilot randomized
controlled trial. SETTING: A university hospital in southern Taiwan.
PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-two patients with distal radius fracture randomized into two
groups: early digit mobilization or control. INTERVENTIONS:
The intervention
group received 45 minutes per treatment session and three sessions per week until
the external fixator was removed 6 weeks after fracture. The control group
received usual home programmes. After removing fixators, both groups received
regular rehabilitation programmes until 12 weeks after surgery. MAIN MEASURES:
Hand strength, dexterity and functional outcomes were obtained using a
dynamometer, Purdue pegboard and self-report assessment, respectively, and X-rays
of the distal radius were taken to reveal bone healing 1, 3, 6 and 12 weeks after
surgery. A motion tracking system measured various kinematic parameters. RESULTS:
The recovery rates between the groups showed statistically significant
differences in both thumb workspace (81.55% vs. 69.54%, P = 0.04) and finger
workspace (89.22% vs. 59.97%, P = 0.03) 12 weeks after injury. However, no
statistical differences were found in finger dexterity, strength and
self-reported outcomes. The radiographic assessment showed no significant
differences between the groups for radial inclination, radial height and volar
tilt throughout the examinations. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that early
rehabilitative intervention for digits is applicable for distal radius fracture
treatment, and does not produce additional bone deformities.

Langue : ANGLAIS