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Postoperative Immobilization and Physical Therapy Following Volar Locked Plating for Distal Radius Fractures
Sponsor: NYU Langone Health
Summary
The purpose of this study is to see if splinting and formal physical therapy are necessary following surgical fixation (open reduction internal fixation) of distal radius fractures (broken wrist). Currently there is no consensus for post-operative protocol following fixation of distal radius fractures. The decision to splint (late mobilization) and prescribe formal physical therapy vs. not to splint (early mobilization) and use self-guided physical therapy is based on surgeon or institutional preference. The goal of this study is to determine if early mobilization leads to improved outcomes and decreased costs without increasing pain or the loss of hardware fixation.
Official title: Postoperative Immobilization and Physical Therapy Following Volar Locked Plating for Distal Radius Fractures: Are They Necessary?
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - 75 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
230
Start Date
2020-06-18
Completion Date
2027-08-01
Last Updated
2026-04-01
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Splint
Participants will have their open reduction internal fixation of distal radius fractures treated with volar locked plating. for 2 weeks. Which will be replaced by a custom thermoplastic splint for 5 weeks.
Formal Physical Therapy
Participants will also receive a prescription for formal physical therapy. Supervised physical therapy will be prescribed 1- 2 times per week for a total of 8 weeks along with a home exercise program. Active range of motion and strengthening exercises will be performed at home twice daily for 20 minutes for a total of 8 weeks.
Self directed physical therapy
Participants will be given a pamphlet with detailed instructions and demonstrations in home exercises. Active range of motion and strengthening exercises will be performed twice daily for 20 minutes for a total of 8 weeks.
Soft dressing (No Splint)
Participants will have their open reduction internal fixation of distal radius fractures placed in a soft dressing which will be kept in place for 2 weeks.
Locations (1)
NYU Langone
New York, New York, United States