Study Summary

4 randomized controlled trials including 228 patients with distal radius fractures treated with volar locking plate fixation were included in this meta-analysis comparing immediate mobilization vs postoperative immobilization after open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). Pooled outcomes of interest included complications, reoperations, pain, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) scores, flexion-extension range of motion (ROM), and forearm rotation. Immediate mobilization resulted in significantly lower pain scores at 6 months, lower DASH disability scores at 3 and 6 months, and improved forearm rotation at 6 months. No significant differences were observed in complication rates, reoperations, early patient-reported outcomes, or most ROM measures. These findings suggest that immediate mobilization following distal radius ORIF may enhance functional recovery without increasing postoperative complications.