Evaluation of early physical therapy in distal radius fractures treated with fixed-angle volar plate

Objective: analyzing the functional results of the precocious physical therapy intervention in individuals with distal radius fractures (DRF) that had been through treatment with fixed-angle volar plate (FAVP). Methods: Twenty individuals were assessed (61 +/- 16 years) 60 and 120 days after operation. Demographic data (sex, age and dominance), data related to fracture (classification of Fernandez), functional data (range of motion, grip and pinch strength) and assessment of functionality by DASH were analyzed. The contralateral wrist was used as control. Results: Significant increases were observed (p< 0,05) in the range of motion, grip and pinch strength when compared the assessments. The exception was pronation, which shows no difference between the second and third assessment. Comparing the averages of the first and second evaluation of the fractured wrist with the average of contralateral wrist (control group) there was significant difference. However, comparing the averages of fractured wrists in the third assessment and the control group there was no difference. The DASH score was statistically significant. Conclusions: These results suggest that precocious physical therapy in patients treated with FAVP in the DRF provides that return to their daily activities faster.