Riassunto dello studio

A total of 8 studies with 355 distal radius fracture patients were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis investigating the effectiveness of manual therapy for the improvement of wrist function. Outcomes of interest included range of motion, wrist function scores, grip strength, and edema volume. The addition of joint mobilization to supervised physiotherapy was found to result in no difference in range of motion in flexion and extension vs. home exercise. However, the addition of mobilization with movement to an exercise program significantly improved wrist function vs. exercise alone (Patient Rated Wrist Evaluation; Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand). Moreover, the use of lymphatic drainage during conventional treatment significantly reduced edema volume up to 68 days follow-up.