Changes in Impairment and Function after Static Progressive Splinting for Stiffness After Distal Radius Fracture

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to describe changes in range of motion, grip strength, and function in subjects treated with static progressive splinting for stiffness after distal radius fracture. A retrospective review was conducted on 25 patients; outcomes reviewed included wrist/forearm motion, grip strength and Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) scores. The Wilcoxon-Signed Rank test was used to assess differences between pre-/postsplinting outcome measurements. Spearman correlation coefficients were calculated for the DASH scores with each of the other measurements. Wrist extension and flexion improved 18.6 (p < 0.0001) and 11.4 degrees (p < 0.0001), respectively. Forearm pronation and supination improved 20.0 (p < 0.0001) and 14.5 degrees (p < 0.0001), respectively. Grip strength improved 24.5 pounds (p = 0.0012). The median DASH score improved from 43 to 19 (p > 0.0001). DASH scores demonstrated a significant negative correlation with wrist extension ( r = −0.50, p = 0.011) and forearm supination ( r = −0.47, p = 0.02). Increased wrist extension and supination correlated with better functional outcome as reflected by the DASH scores.