Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 3, 2026
Metacarpal Small Incision for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Published on: April 5, 2024
Postoperative treatment of metacarpal fractures-Classical physical therapy compared with a home exercise program
Joachim Gülke1, Barbara Leopold2, Daniel Grözinger1
1Klinik für Unfall-, Hand-, Plastische und Wiederherstellungschirurgie, Universitätsklinik Ulm, Ulm, Germany.
Study Design:
Prospective cohort randomized controlled trial.
Purpose Of The Study:
Is either a home exercise (HE) program or traditional physical therapy (PT) more effective in the postoperative management of metacarpal fractures?
Methods:
Sixty patients suffering from nonthumb metacarpal fractures who received mobilization-stable open reduction and internal fixation were included. All patients were prospectively randomized into either the PT group or the HE group. Follow-up examinations at 2, 6 and 12 weeks postoperatively.
Results:
After 2 weeks, the range of motion (ROM) in both groups was still severely reduced. Twelve weeks after surgery the ROM improved to 245° (PT) and 256° (HE). Grip strength after 6 weeks was 68% (PT) and 71% (HE) when compared to the non-injured hand, improving to 91% (PT) and 93% (HE) after 12 weeks.
Conclusion:
Study results show that both HE program and traditional PT are effective in the postoperative management of metacarpal fractures.
Level Of Evidence:
II.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Fractures: Bone Repair
Minor fractures with no bone displacement are treated by immobilizing the fractured bone using a cast or splint. However, in the case of fractures with displaced bones, the broken bones are repositioned before immobilization to ensure successful healing without deformation and loss of function. The realignment of fractured bone ends is performed through a process called reduction. If the...
01:26Flail Chest-II
Assessment:
1. Clinical Evaluation:
History:
01:23Peripheral Artery Disease V: Postoperative Nursing Management