Within the first three weeks after distal radius fracture surgery, which rehabilitation action is recommended?

Within the first three weeks after distal radius fracture surgery, which rehabilitation action is recommended?

• A. Initiate early active range of motion of the wrist, hand, and shoulder
• B. Complete immobilization for six weeks
• C. Begin intense resistance training immediately
• D. Avoid any movement of the shoulder

Answer: (A)

Maintaining movement in the joints around the repair while protecting the healing structures is the goal in the early post-op period. In the first three weeks after distal radius fracture surgery, initiating gentle, active range of motion of the wrist, hand, and shoulder helps prevent stiffness, preserve circulation, and maintain soft-tissue length, provided it is within the surgeon’s protection limits. This approach supports functional recovery and prepares the limb for progressive loading as healing advances. Immobilizing for six weeks is usually too lengthy and risks joint stiffness and muscle wasting, starting intense resistance too early can jeopardize the fixation, and avoiding shoulder movement is unnecessary since gentle shoulder motion can aid overall upper-extremity mobility.

Maintaining movement in the joints around the repair while protecting the healing structures is the goal in the early post-op period. In the first three weeks after distal radius fracture surgery, initiating gentle, active range of motion of the wrist, hand, and shoulder helps prevent stiffness, preserve circulation, and maintain soft-tissue length, provided it is within the surgeon’s protection limits. This approach supports functional recovery and prepares the limb for progressive loading as healing advances. Immobilizing for six weeks is usually too lengthy and risks joint stiffness and muscle wasting, starting intense resistance too early can jeopardize the fixation, and avoiding shoulder movement is unnecessary since gentle shoulder motion can aid overall upper-extremity mobility.