Comparative Study Between Early Versus Late Mobilization After Locked Volar Plating of Distal Radial Fractures | ||
| The Egyptian Orthopaedic Journal | ||
| Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 14 June 2025 | ||
| Document Type: Original Article | ||
| DOI: 10.21608/eoj.2025.385060.1043 | ||
| Authors | ||
| Mahmoud mohamed Kamaleldin* 1; Mohamed Zagloul1; Mohammad hasan ahmed2; Mohie Eldin Mahmoud fadel2 | ||
| 1Alexandria University, department of orthopedics and traumatology | ||
| 2Alexandria University. department of orthopedics and traumatology | ||
| Abstract | ||
| Purpose: Distal radius fractures (DRFs), a prevalent orthopedic injury across age groups, often result in impaired wrist function, pain, reduced range of motion (ROM), and diminished grip strength. While volar locking plates have revolutionized management by enabling stable fixation and early mobilization, the optimal postoperative rehabilitation timeline remains contentious, balancing concerns about fracture healing against the benefits of accelerated recovery. The purpose of this study is to compare early (2 weeks post-surgery) and late (5 weeks post-surgery) mobilization protocols, focusing on ROM, grip strength, pain resolution, functional recovery (via Modified Mayo Wrist Score [MMWS] and QuickDASH), and radiological healing. Methods: Forty patients with closed DRFs were enrolled at EL Hadra University Hospital, Participants were equally divided into Group 1 (early mobilization, initiating wrist motion after 2 weeks) and Group 2 (late mobilization, immobilized in a cast for 5 weeks). All patients underwent standardized open reduction and internal fixation followed by group-specific rehabilitation. Clinical assessments and radiological evaluations were conducted at 6, 8, 12, and 24 weeks postoperatively. Results: Early mobilization demonstrated superior short-term outcomes: significantly better ROM and grip strength at 6–8 weeks, alongside lower VAS scores and higher MMWS/QuickDASH scores. Long-term outcomes (12–24 weeks) showed no significant differences in ROM, grip strength, or functional scores. Conclusion: Early mobilization after volar plating accelerates short-term functional recovery without compromising long-term radiological or clinical outcomes, supporting its safety and efficacy for patients prioritizing rapid return to daily activities | ||
| Keywords | ||
| mobilization; distal radius fractures; volar plating | ||
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