Dynamic splinting of forearm rotational contracture after distal radius fracture☆☆☆
Abstract
The results of dynamic forearm rotational splinting for the treatment of forearm rotational contractures in patients with acceptably aligned, healed distal radius fractures are documented. Fifteen patients with distal radius fractures that healed with ≤+5 mm ulnar variance and ≤20° dorsal tilt had dynamic forearm rotational splinting for contractures that had failed conventional hand therapy. Average pronosupination arc before splinting was 83°. Dynamic forearm rotational splinting increased forearm rotation by 52% to an average of 126°. Only one patient with development of ectopic bone in the interosseous space during splinting failed to obtain at least 30° pronation and supination after splinting. Dynamic forearm rotational splinting effectively treats rotational contractures in patients who have healed distal radius fractures that are in acceptable alignment. (J Hand Surg 2002;27A:456–463. Copyright © 2002 by the American Society for Surgery of the Hand.)
Keywords: Forearm, rotation, contracture, splinting, fracture
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☆ No benefits in any form have been received or will be received from a commercial party related directly or indirectly to the subject of this article.
☆☆ Reprint requests: Munir A. Shah, MD, Division of Hand Surgery, Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, University of Texas Medical Branch, Rebecca Sealy Hospital, Rm 2.616, 301 University Blvd, Galveston, TX 77555-0165.
PII: S0363-5023(02)47084-0
doi:10.1053/jhsu.2002.33196
© 2002 American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
