Distal head of radius comminuted fracture

Hey Doc,

My girlfriend had this thing surgically repaired a little over 4 weeks ago. She had a plate and six screws put in.

She has very little pain and it usually only presents itself when she tries to extend her wrist. She currently can only actively extend her wrist about 15 degrees or so, but she has normal flexion and grip strength is increasing every day.

Physical therapy starts next Monday, but I was wondering what your opinion would be on when she can start loading this thing? Is she in danger of dislodging any of the equipment in here wrist if she were to start pressing/pulling with that hand?

Hey Soule,

This is an instance where I would listen to what her physician advocates. I would have open conversations on your goals with both the therapists and surgeon. Hand/wrist trauma tends to be contingent upon the break and how good of a fixation the surgeon achieved. I would likely ball park the time to return to loading around 12 weeks. I would also ask the therapist for specific exercises to emphasize obtaining full wrist extension so return to sport is easier. Initially the work is often much more about volume than intensity and trying to force extension can be counter productive. There are always things to work on though.

Thanks doc!