Early Mobilization After Volar Locking Plate Osteosynthesis of Distal Radial Fractures in Older Patients-A Randomized Controlled Trial

PURPOSE: To investigate if early mobilization after open reduction internal fixation of distal radius fractures improved the functional outcome. We hypothesized that early mobilization would lead to improved patient-reported outcome. Second, we aimed to assess whether early mobilization increased the risk of postoperative implant loosening or breakage.

METHODS: All included patients were treated with a volar locking plate. After surgery, patients were randomized to either early mobilization (E-MOB) with a removable orthosis (wrist lacer) and daily wrist exercises or to late mobilization (L-MOB) with a standard dorsal plaster cast for 2 weeks and, after that, a removable orthosis and exercises. We measured all patients at 4 weeks and at 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. At each postoperative visit, we measured range of motion and grip strength and patients filled out the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire. Radiographic implant loosening or breakage was assessed 14 days after surgery.

RESULTS: A total of 47 patients were allocated to E-MOB and 48 to L-MOB. The DASH score improved substantially throughout the follow-up period with no significant differences between the 2 groups at any time point. Implant loosening and fracture redisplacement was observed in 1 patient in the E-MOB group. Range of motion and grip strength were similar between the 2 groups at all time points.

CONCLUSIONS: Early mobilization after surgical treatment of distal radius fractures does not lead to improved patient-reported outcome.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic I.