The aim of this study was to assess the evidence regarding the adoption and effectiveness of therapeutic procedures employed for rehabilitation of distal radius fractures. This systematic review used the following databases: PubMed, Lilacs, PEDro, Cochrane, Scielo and OTseeker, without time restrictions. The following keywords were searched for: distal radius fracture, rehabilitation, occupational therapy, physiotherapy including reports in English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese. Twenty-two studies were retrieved and analyzed by two independent investigators following the PEDro scale criteria. Other non-experimental studies were included for additional information regarding certain rehabilitation approaches. Of the 14 randomized controlled clinical trials, four compared early mobilization to conventional therapy, showing moderate evidence in favor of earlier mobilization. Seven compared home therapy based on orientations to individual conventional therapy and found conflicting evidences. Three studies also analyzed the efficacy of the following specific therapeutic procedures: Pulsating magnetic field, lymphatic drainage, and ultrasound, which showed limited empirical support. The nine non-experimental studies did not add sufficient information regarding these issues. There was a trend to employ general principles of rehabilitation when elaborating these therapeutic approaches, but these procedures were not adequately supported by literature.
Hand Injuries; Physical Therapy Modalities; Occupational therapy; Rehabilitation; Colles'fracture
