Exploration of Evidence-Based Treatment Methods Used to Treat DRF's: A Systematic Review

1. Distal Radius Fractures

1.1. Types of Fractures

1.1.1. Galeazzi

1.1.1.1. Fracture of junction of distal third and middle third of the radial shaft, with associated subluxation or dislocation of distal radius and ulnar joint, technically not fracture of distal radius

1.1.2. Hutchison's

1.1.2.1. Oblique fracture of the radial styloid process in the forearm. The injury is typically caused by compression of the scaphoid bone of the hand against the styloid process of the distal radius. It can be caused by falling onto an outstretched hand.

1.1.2.1.1. Muscles crossing over scaphoid/styloid process affected directly

1.1.3. Smith's

1.1.3.1. “Garden spade deformity” – Complete fracture of the distal radius, with palmar displacement of the distal fragment

1.1.3.1.1. Palmar displament = Flexors affected directly

1.1.4. Colle's

1.1.4.1. “Dinner fork deformity” – fracture with dorsal displacement, usually due to a FOOSH

1.1.4.1.1. Dorsal Displacement -> Affects extensors directly

1.1.5. Barton's

1.1.5.1. Intra-articular fracture involving the radiocarpal joint (radius, scaphoid, lunate) usually due to direct blow to wrist or carpus

1.2. Pitfalls

1.2.1. Edema

1.2.1.1. TENS

1.2.1.1.1. Stimulate Fluid Shift

1.2.1.1.2. Activity tolerance

1.2.1.1.3. Treatment Adherence

1.2.1.2. Compression

1.2.1.3. Elevation

1.2.1.3.1. Flushing Fluid from distal to proximal

1.2.1.4. Thermal Modalities

1.2.1.4.1. Heat

1.2.1.4.2. Ice

1.2.2. Intrinsic/Extrinsic Tightness

1.2.3. Pain

1.2.3.1. TENS

1.2.3.1.1. Gate Theory

1.2.3.2. Virtual Reality

1.2.3.2.1. Mirror Neurons

1.2.3.2.2. Attention Distraction & Pain Displacement

1.2.3.3. Mirror Therapy

1.2.4. Scar

1.2.4.1. Stress Management

1.2.4.1.1. Differential Glides

1.2.5. Muscle Weakness/Injuries

1.2.5.1. Healing Rates By Tissue

1.2.5.1.1. Level System

1.2.5.1.2. Loose Connective

1.2.5.1.3. Dense Connective

1.2.5.2. Muscles Originating on Distal Radius

1.2.5.2.1. FDS

1.2.5.2.2. FPL

1.2.5.2.3. EPB

1.2.5.3. Muscles with Radius Insertion Points

1.2.5.3.1. Pronator Quadratus

1.2.5.3.2. Supinator

1.2.6. Nerve Injuries

1.2.6.1. Median

1.2.6.1.1. Muscles possibly affected by DRF Innervated by Median Nerve

1.2.6.2. Ulnar

1.2.6.2.1. Muscles possibly affected by DRF Innervated by Ulnar Nerve

1.2.6.3. Radial

1.2.6.3.1. Muscles possibly affected by DRF Innervated by Radial Nerve

1.3. Custom Orthotics

1.3.1. Wrist Gauntlet