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Updated: May 10, 2026
Development of a Novel Internal Fixation Model for Rat Radial Fractures: Fracture Healing Assessment and Dorsal Root Ganglion Isolation
Published on: March 13, 2026
Is progressive early digit mobilization intervention beneficial for patients with external fixation of distal radius
Li-Chieh Kuo1, Tai-Hua Yang, Ying-Ya Hsu
11Department of Occupational Therapy, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.
Objective:
To investigate whether progressive early digit mobilization resulted in better outcomes for hand stiffness and related functional results, as well as the effects on the bone healing process.
Design:
Prospective, pilot randomized controlled trial.
Setting:
A university hospital in southern Taiwan.
Participants:
Twenty-two patients with distal radius fracture randomized into two groups: early digit mobilization or control.
Interventions:
The intervention group received 45 minutes per treatment session and three sessions per week until the external fixator was removed 6 weeks after fracture. The control group received usual home programmes. After removing fixators, both groups received regular rehabilitation programmes until 12 weeks after surgery.
Main Measures:
Hand strength, dexterity and functional outcomes were obtained using a dynamometer, Purdue pegboard and self-report assessment, respectively, and X-rays of the distal radius were taken to reveal bone healing 1, 3, 6 and 12 weeks after surgery. A motion tracking system measured various kinematic parameters.
Results:
The recovery rates between the groups showed statistically significant differences in both thumb workspace (81.55% vs. 69.54%, P = 0.04) and finger workspace (89.22% vs. 59.97%, P = 0.03) 12 weeks after injury. However, no statistical differences were found in finger dexterity, strength and self-reported outcomes. The radiographic assessment showed no significant differences between the groups for radial inclination, radial height and volar tilt throughout the examinations.
Conclusions:
The findings suggest that early rehabilitative intervention for digits is applicable for distal radius fracture treatment, and does not produce additional bone deformities.
