Occupational therapy and Colles' fractures.
In this randomized trial, we enrolled 30 patients treated for a distal radius Colles' type fracture. The fractures were reduced if necessary and fixed in a below-elbow plaster cast for 5 weeks. One group consisting of 14 patients received instructions for shoulder; elbow and finger exercise and the other group consisting of 16 patients had occupational therapy. At 5 weeks, 3 and 9 months we measured the functional scores. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups at any time. It seems that for non-surgically treated patients with a distal radius fracture only instructions are necessary.
Christensen
O M
OM
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University Hospital Gentofte, 2800 Gentofte, Denmark. omc@dadlnet.dk
Kunov
A
A
Hansen
F F
FF
Christiansen
T C
TC
Krasheninnikoff
M
M
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002370:Casts, Surgical; D003100:Colles' Fracture / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005260:Female; D018737:Hand Strength; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008349:Manipulation, Orthopedic; D008875:Middle Aged; D009788:Occupational Therapy / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011859:Radiography; D016896:Treatment Outcome