Is early mobilization after volar locking plate fixation in distal radius fractures really beneficial? A meta-analysis of prospective randomized studies

Abstract

This was a systematic review with meta-analysis.Despite rising trends toward surgical treatment of distal radius fractures (DRF) volar locking plate (VLP) fixation, there is lack consensus on when to start vigorous wrist range motion (ROM) exercises after surgery.We performed meta-analysis compare early and late mobilization VLP fixation in patients DRF.Four prospective randomized controlled trials minimum 6 months follow-up were retrieved through MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE, Web Science, the Cochrane Library, KoreaMed databases March 2021. We divided into an group (patients who started ROM within 2 weeks surgery), 5 or surgery). The primary outcome efficacy which measured improvement pain score, function ROM, grip power. secondary incidence postoperative complications.This included 127 131 group. outcomes compared at weeks, 3 months, postoperatively. There no significant difference though had lower average visual analog scale score. arm, shoulder, hand disability score than (95 % CI, -16.25 -8.35 points; P < .001) postoperatively, suggesting significantly superior outcomes. A similar trend persisted (n = 74 n 77 group; 95% -5.45 -0.30; .029) 102 100 -4.81 0.21; .073), but differences smaller. higher power all periods, only postoperatively 88 83 0.50 6.99; 0.024). also more favorable directions supination months. complication rate not different between groups. rates operation reduction loss.Early exercise DRF resulted functional scores until dominance joint seen surgery group, decreased time ultimately showed little Early safe did increase rates.