title: Is progressive early digit mobilization intervention beneficial for patients with external fixation of distal radius fracture? A pilot randomized controlled trial.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To investigate whether progressive early digit mobilization resulted in better outcomes for hand stiffness and related functional results, as well as the effects on the bone healing process.
  
  
  METHODS
  Prospective, pilot randomized controlled trial.
  
  
  METHODS
  A university hospital in southern Taiwan.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-two patients with distal radius fracture randomized into two groups: early digit mobilization or control.
  
  
  METHODS
  The intervention group received 45 minutes per treatment session and three sessions per week until the external fixator was removed 6 weeks after fracture. The control group received usual home programmes. After removing fixators, both groups received regular rehabilitation programmes until 12 weeks after surgery.
  
  
  METHODS
  Hand strength, dexterity and functional outcomes were obtained using a dynamometer, Purdue pegboard and self-report assessment, respectively, and X-rays of the distal radius were taken to reveal bone healing 1, 3, 6 and 12 weeks after surgery. A motion tracking system measured various kinematic parameters.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The recovery rates between the groups showed statistically significant differences in both thumb workspace (81.55% vs. 69.54%, P = 0.04) and finger workspace (89.22% vs. 59.97%, P = 0.03) 12 weeks after injury. However, no statistical differences were found in finger dexterity, strength and self-reported outcomes. The radiographic assessment showed no significant differences between the groups for radial inclination, radial height and volar tilt throughout the examinations.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The findings suggest that early rehabilitative intervention for digits is applicable for distal radius fracture treatment, and does not produce additional bone deformities.
authors.affiliation: 1Department of Occupational Therapy, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Li-Chieh
authors.initials: LC
authors.lastname: Kuo
authors.forename: Tai-Hua
authors.initials: TH
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.forename: Ying-Ya
authors.initials: YY
authors.lastname: Hsu
authors.forename: Po-Ting
authors.initials: PT
authors.lastname: Wu
authors.forename: Cheng-Li
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Lin
authors.forename: Hsiu-Yun
authors.initials: HY
authors.lastname: Hsu
authors.forename: I-Ming
authors.initials: IM
authors.lastname: Jou
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D004434:Early Ambulation; D016267:External Fixators; D005260:Female; D005592:Fracture Fixation; D017102:Fracture Healing; D018737:Hand Strength; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011885:Radius Fractures / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation* / Q000601:surgery*; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D020127:Recovery of Function; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: Distal radius fracture; bone healing; early digit mobilization; finger kinematics; hand function