Physical therapy for Colles fracture – pro
Colles’ fracture is a frequently occurring injury, particularly in the older population, and well-known to most physians and occupational therapists. The residual deficits associated with this fracture cause major functional problems for the patient and may be avoided by early referral to occupational therapy. Literature review and guideline relating to effectiveness and patient satsifaction with PT can be found at http://www.mihsr.monash.org/cce/res/pdf/b/025.pdf. A recent ransomized study concluded: “The results suggest that after removal of cast from fracture of distal radius, patients may routinely require no more than a single session of advice and exercise provided by a physiotherapist.”. In practice 2-3 months of 2-3 weekly PT sessions is done.
Maciel, J. S. (2005) A randomised clinical trial of activity-focussed physiotherapy on patients with distal radius fractures. Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery 125(8)