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Radial Fracture, Part 1: Initial Assessment Begins
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It’s been eight weeks since she had her surgery for her distal radial fracture. The certified hand therapist (CHT) begins the outpatient treatment session by gathering information from the patient about her pain and limitations following surgery.
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Radial Fracture, Part 2: Initial Observations
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As the therapist begins her exam to determine impairments that will affect hand function, she compares both hands and notes edema, points of pain and limitation of range of motion of the hand and wrist. The patient is eight weeks post surgery.
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Radial Fracture, Part 3: Measuring ROM
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During the initial assessment, the therapist measures range of motion (ROM) of the wrist, thumb and forearm in order to determine a baseline for treatment. The patient is eight weeks post surgery.
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Radial Fracture, Part 4: Measuring Edema of the Hand
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Edema of the hand can impact overall hand function following surgery. The therapist measures the swelling of the hand and compares it to the non-involved hand in order to establish a baseline for treatment. The patient is eight weeks post surgery.
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Radial Fracture, Part 5: Measuring Hand Strength
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Eight weeks post surgery, the initial assessment continues with the measurement of hand strength following surgery for fracture of the distal radius. The therapist uses a dynamometer and pinch gauge to measure grip and pinch strength.
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Radial Fracture, Patient Education 1: Scar Mobilization
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As she examines the scar at the surgical site, the therapist describes the importance of scar mobilization to reduce adhesions and improve joint mobility. The patient is eight weeks post surgical repair of the distal radius.
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Radial Fracture, Patient Education 2: Improving Soft Tissue Elasticity with Heat
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Eight weeks post surgical repair of a distal radial fracture, the therapist begins her treatment instructing the patient how to use heat to prepare soft tissue for a passive range of motion (PROM) home program.
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Radial Fracture, Patient Education 3: AROM Program
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Eight weeks post surgical repair for a distal radial fracture, the therapist instructs the patient on a home program to increase active range of motion of the fingers, hand and wrist. She explains precautions related to pain and soft tissue tightness
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Radial Fracture, Patient Education 4: Strengthening & Edema
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Weakness and edema are two key problem areas for this patient (eight weeks post radial fracture repair). The therapist introduces a strengthening program for grasp and also demonstrates lymphatic massage to help reduce edema of the hand and wrist.
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Radial Fracture, Patient Education 5: Compression Glove for Edema Control
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A compression glove helps reduce edema of the hand after a surgical repair of a distal radial fracture. The therapist determines whether the glove is the correct size and explains how it works to minimize swelling in the hand.
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Radial Fracture, Patient Education 6: Answering Patient Questions
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As the initial treatment session ends, the patient asks a common question: “How long will this take?” The therapist explains how end range of motion feels and the importance of continuing active range of motion to minimize loss of hand function.
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