This case describes an early controlled mobilization (ECM) approach that uses dart-throwing motion (DTM) with a twist orthoses as an alternative to immobilization for conservative management of a minimally displaced and intra-articular distal radius styloid fracture with an associated scapholunate ligament injury in a 47-year-old female health care administrator (JP). Pain-free active DTM began at day 10 (5 times/d) with a dynamic DTM with a twist orthosis worn during the day from weeks 3 to 6. At 6 weeks, JP had pain-free functional mobility and strength with minimal limitation in household and occupational activities, returning to her normal sporting activities by 3 months. ECM led to rapid return of normal functioning in the short term with no apparent impact on intermediate outcomes at 8 months. This case allows hand therapists to consider a similar ECM approach for the management of similar injuries in their patients.
Level of evidence: Level 5 and case report.
Keywords: Dart-throwing motion; Distal radius fracture; Early mobilization; Scapholunate ligament.
Copyright © 2016 Hanley & Belfus. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.