It is frequently seen in the elderly, especially in women, due to falls. The distal end of the radius has two important functions: It is both the primary support area of the carpal bones and forms a part of the joint with the forearm.
Distal end of the radius fractures can be classified as follows: Non-articulated, non-displaced , non-articular displaced, intra-articular non-displaced, intra-articular displaced, stable-reducible, unstable-reducible and unstable-irreducible.
It is treated with an operative or conservative approach depending on the type and characteristics of the fracture.
Situations in which operative treatment is indicated;
- unstable fractures,
- Irreducible fractures showing more than 20 degrees of distal dorsal angulation,
- Intra-articular fractures with a displacement of more than 2 mm
- are lateral displaced fractures.
The target of rehabilitation after distal radius fracture is the hand and wrist. to ensure functional use of the wrist. These fractures can negatively affect hand functions. For this reason, necessary precautions should be taken to prevent edema from developing in the hand during fracture treatment, and if it does, the necessary therapeutic approaches should be applied to reduce edema as early as possible and prevent the development of contracture in the hand.
The rehabilitation program after distal radius fractures is three-fold. It can be examined in stages: Early period, intermediate period and late period.
- The early period is the first six-week period. Although it varies depending on the treatment applied, the wrist is usually immobilized with a splint for 3-6 weeks. The aim of this period is to prevent edema and stiffness in the wrist and to ensure functional use of the hand in as light activities as possible. For this purpose, the hands are lifted, active finger exercises are performed, and if necessary, a compressive bandage and gloves are applied to the hand. Wrist movements are started as much as the fracture treatment method allows. For example, in stable fractures where forearm supination is allowed, early forearm rotations are started. Because the most difficult movement to gain after radius distal end fractures is supination. Again, in some external fixation and plate fixations, wrist flexion / extension and radial / ulnar deviation can be started in the early period (usually in the 2nd week). B. During this period, active ROM exercises for the elbow and shoulder should also be performed.
- Intermediate period, 6-8. Includes weeks. In this period, after the radiographs show that the fracture healing is good, the external fixator and splint are removed. Active assistive forearm and wrist exercises are performed to ensure mobility.
- 8-12. In the late period, which includes weeks, fracture healing is checked and gradual strengthening exercises are applied.
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