Cyclic pneumatic soft-tissue compression enhances recovery following fracture of the distal radius: a randomised controlled trial

QuestionsDoes the addition of cyclic pneumatic soft-tissue compression during the 6-week immobilisation period following fracture of the distal radius result in a faster recovery of muscle strength and joint range of motion? Does it result in a larger recovery of muscle strength and joint range of motion immediately after the immobilisation period (at 6 weeks) or four weeks after the immobilisation period (at 10 weeks)?DesignRandomised controlled trial with concealed allocation and assessor blinding.Participants21 patients with fracture of the distal radius.InterventionThe experimental group received cyclic pneumatic soft-tissue compression during the 6-week immobilisation period whereas the control group received usual care. Both groups were instructed to actively make a fist 100 times per day during the 6-week immobilisation period and were given an exercise program during the 4-week post-immobilisation period.Outcome measuresFunction was measured as power grip, pinch grip, key grip, and supination strength using dynamometry from Week 1 to 10 as well as wrist flexion/extension and forearm supination/pronation range of motion using goniometry from Week 6 to 10. The outcome measures are presented as a percentage of the intact side.ResultsThe experimental group improved significantly faster than the control group in muscle strength from Week 1 to 10 (p ≤ 0.001) but not in joint range of motion from Week 6 to 10 (p > 0.05). By Week 6, the experimental group was 12–26% stronger and had 8–14% more range of motion than the control group. By Week 10, the experimental group was 24–29% stronger and had 10–15% more range of motion than the control group.ConclusionThe findings indicate that a larger clinical trial is warranted and should incorporate direct measures of fracture healing.