Boğaziçi Tıp Dergisi (Jun 2023)

Effects of Early Period Physical Therapy and Ergotherapy Applications on Daily Activity Levels After Open Reduction and Internal Fixation in Metacarpal Fractures

  • Celaleddin Bildik,
  • Barış Yılmaz

DOI
https://doi.org/10.14744/bmj.2023.05658
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 10, no. 2
pp. 111 – 116

Abstract

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INTRODUCTION: Metacarpal fractures are one of the most common fractures. The primary goal in the post-operative rehabilitation of surgically treated metacarpal fractures is to bring the locomotor function of the relevant region closer to its pre-injury function. The aim of our study was to examine the effects of physical therapy and ergotherapy applications, which are initiated after the early period of plate osteosynthesis in metacarpal fractures, on the activity levels of daily life. METHODS: A post-operative rehabilitation program was started with 20 volunteers who had undergone an operation due to a metacarpal fracture. In the first stage, after pain control was achieved on the same post-operative day, patients were started with finger and wrist range of motion exercises. In the second stage, physical therapy exercises were given. In the third stage, the ergotherapy program was implemented. The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire, Milliken Daily Living Activity, Assessment, and Hand Grip Strength Measurement Test were performed 3 times for each patient in the early post-operative period, after physical therapy, and after ergotherapy. RESULTS: In the evaluation of the DASH scores which were performed after the operation, after physical therapy, and after ergotherapy, the scores after ergotherapy were found to be statistically significant (p<0.001). In addition, when comparing the results of Milliken scoring and Hand Grip Strength Measurement Tests, the scores after ergotherapy were found to be statistically significant (p<0.001). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Three weeks of combined physical therapy and ergotherapy for surgically treated metacarpal fractures within 8–16 weeks post-operatively have been shown to have better functional outcomes, better grip strength, and higher efficacy compared to physiotherapy alone.

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