Effect of Activation of Shoulder Girdle Muscles Exercises versus hand on Wrist Joint Mechanics of Patients Post Intraarticular Distal Radius Fracture Surgeries

Background: Therapeutic exercises post Intraarticular Distal Radius Fracture (DRFs) surgeries are very significant in preventing complications and deformities. Aim of the study: Compare the effect of activation of shoulder girdle muscles exercises versus hand on wrist joint mechanics of patients post intraarticular distal radius fracture surgeries. Design: A comparative quasi experimental research design. Setting: This study was carried out at the Hadara Orthopedic and Traumatology University Hospital, Alexandria, Egypt. Subjects: A convenience sample of 50 scheduled adult patients for intraarticular DRF surgeries; divided into two groups: (I) was introduced to shoulder girdle and hand exercises, while (II) received only hand exercises. Tools: Tool I: Wrist Functional Abilities Index; Interview Schedule. Tool II: Mobility Index of the Wrist joint. Tool III: Complications of Intraarticular Distal Radius Fracture Checklist. Results: significant improvements were declared in the study group (I) patients compared with group (II) at the 6th and 8th week post exercises performance; regards their total rated wrist evaluation and range of motion (ROM) mean scores. There was significant difference between patients of both studied groups’ hand grip strength in the 6th and 8th week post exercises. Regarding total complications and wrist plain x ray results scores in the 6th week and 3 months’ post exercises; significant difference between the two groups were noted. Conclusion: Therapeutic shoulder girdle muscles and hand exercises post-intraarticular DRFs surgeries have been shown to improve wrist joint functional abilities, ROM and muscle strength more than hand exercises only.