Hand Therapy Management of Intra-Articular Fractures With Open Reduction and Pi Plate Fixation: A Therapist's Perspective

Open reduction enhances the opportunity for patients to benefit from early rehabilitation following complex distal radius fractures. In the early phase of rehabilitation, therapists focus on motion, edema management, early identification of complications, and assist patients to understand and deal appropriately with their injury. Frequent and gentle exercise in elevation is key to restoring movement without adverse impacts on pain or edema. After six weeks, the focus of rehabilitation should be on ameliorating any residual physical impairments and moving patients towards normal activity. Strengthening, mobilization splinting, and reintegration into work activities may be required. Both physical impairment (volume, motion, strength, sensibility, dexterity) and self-report (pain and disability) measures may be required at different stages to provide a comprehensive view of recovery.