Article

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Is either a home exercise (HE) program or traditional physical therapy
(PT) more effective in the postoperative management of metacarpal fractures?
METHODS: Sixty patients suffering from nonthumb metacarpal fractures who received
mobilization-stable open reduction and internal fixation were included. All
patients were prospectively randomized into either the PT group or the HE group.
Follow-up examinations at 2, 6 and 12 weeks postoperatively. RESULTS: After 2
weeks, the range of motion (ROM) in both groups was still severely reduced.
Twelve weeks after surgery the ROM improved to 245 degrees (PT) and 256 degrees
(HE). Grip strength after 6 weeks was 68% (PT) and 71% (HE) when compared to the
non-injured hand, improving to 91% (PT) and 93% (HE) after 12 weeks. CONCLUSION:
Study results show that both HE program and traditional PT are effective in the
postoperative management of metacarpal fractures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.
CI - Copyright (c) 2017 Hanley & Belfus. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights
reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS