Immobilization following Distal Radius Fractures: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

46 patients with distal radius fractures and scheduled for open reduction and internal fixation with a volar plate were randomized to either postoperative immobilization either in maximal supination with a sugar-tong splint or in a neutral position and no restricted forearm movement in a volar splint. Orthoses were applied for 2 weeks after surgery, followed by all patients receiving a removable brace. The outcomes of interest included wrist range of motion (ROM), grip strength, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain score, Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) score, and the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score at 2- and 6-week follow-up. The results from this study found no significant differences between groups in wrist ROM, grip strength, VAS pain score, PRWE score or DASH score. The study was ended before a priori sample size was attained due to results of an interim analysis.