Abstract
The effectiveness of MLD in reducing oedema of the hand after a traumatic injury was evaluated. Patients with oedema of the hand, which is defined as having a volume greater than 40ml compared to the uninjured hand, were chosen when the fixation period was completed after a fracture of the distal radius. Fractures were treated either with plaster or with an external fixator. A total of 51 patients were included in the study over a period of three years and were randomized into an experimental or control group. Therapy started on average three and a half days after mobilization. All patients received the same conventional treatment, including exercises, activities, oedema control and education. In addition, the experimental group received six treatments of MLD. Oedema of the injured hand was measured with a volumeter at 14 days and 60 days after commencement of treatment, and this was compared to the pre-treatment volume. There was a significantly greater reduction in oedema in the experimental group (median difference 30ml) compared to the control group (median difference 20ml) at the first measurement (p=0.005) taken at 14 days. These results indicate that MLD is a useful method for reducing post-traumatic oedema of the hand in the early phase.
Published Version
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