Efficacy of Treatment After Intra-Articular Distal Radius Fractures Using Dart-throwing Motion: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Introduction: Rehabilitation following wrist fractures often includes exercising flexion-extension and radio-ulnar deviation. However, during most of our daily functions, our wrist moves through an oblique plane, named the Dart Throwing Motion (DTM) plane (Moritomo et al., 2007). The DTM plane may be considered a more stable and functional plane and less painful in cases of injuries in the carpal bones, since it mostly occurs at the midcarpal joint with the proximal row remaining relatively immobile (2). However, a rehabilitation program that incorporates DTM, has yet to be explored.

Aim: To compare rehabilitation outcomes following treatment in the DTM plane and in the sagittal/horizontal plane in individuals after distal radius fractures.

Methods: In this ongoing study, 21 subjects were recruited after internal fixation of distal radius fractures. The subjects were randomly divided into a research group (N=11; ages 47.5±6.4; 7 Males, 4 Females) and a control group (N=10; ages 52.4±13.4; 6 Males, 4 Females). Upper limb range of motion, subjective pain levels and performed functional tests were measured before and after intervention. The intervention comprised of 12 treatment sessions: the control group activated the wrist in the sagittal/horizontal plane while the research group activated the wrist also in the DTM plane, via a DTM orthosis. At the completion of the treatment, all subjects were reexamined and grip and pinch strengths were added to the outcomes

Results: There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups at the baseline and following the intervention. The research group reported that the DTM orthosis used in their intervention was light-weight, easy to don, and durable over time.

Discussion: Individuals treated with the DTM orthosis were satisfied with the novel treatment. Following our interim results, we conclude that DTM activation has similar outcomes as conventional treatment following fixating the distal radius.