Comparison of Immobilization Periods following Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of Distal Radius Fracture: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Distal radius fracture (DRF) is considered to be among the most common upper extremity fractures. 1 It has been estimated that more than 650,000 DRFs occur annually in the United States with an incidence of 16.2 DRFs per 10,000 per year. 12 Since its inception, the volar locking plate (VLP) heralded a shift in DRF management because of its advantages in permitting early mobilization and return to daily activities as soon as the patient is comfortable. 3-6 Even in elderly patients, the sufficient anatomical restoration of the wrist delivered by VLP allows earlier resumption of forearm range of motion (ROM), faster functional recovery, and less post-operative complications compared to the other surgical methods.
Source: Journal of Hand Therapy - Category: Rehabilitation Authors: Source Type: research