title: Distal radius fractures: therapy practice patterns.
abstract: Identifying practice patterns for therapy interventions following distal radius fractures (DRFs) is necessary to define the most frequently used examination and intervention techniques. The purpose of this study was to identify preferred practice patterns and physical and functional outcome measures used during DRF management. Two hundred forty-two therapists (PTs, OTs, and CHTs) were surveyed by questionnaire at an annual hand therapy meeting. A descriptive analysis of data was performed. Preferred practice patterns during the immobilization and the post-immobilization periods were identified. More than 75% of the surveyed therapists used upper extremity range-of-motion exercises and compressive wrap with retrograde massage during the immobilization phase. More than 90% of therapists included range-of-motion exercises and heat/cold modalities in the post-immobilization treatment plans. Physical impairment measures of outcome were used much more frequently than functional outcome questionnaires in assessing progress during treatment. This study advances the evidence-based practice of therapy by establishing a foundation for future research.
authors.affiliation: Temple University, Department of Physical Therapy, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140, USA. smichlov@temple.edu
authors.forename: S L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Michlovitz
authors.forename: P C
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: LaStayo
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Alzner
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Watson
mesh_terms: D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D010865:Pilot Projects; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians' / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011885:Radius Fractures / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014481:United States