Distal Radius Fracture ORIF

University of Virginia Orthopaedic Surgery

Weight-Bearing

NWB surgical UE; NWB for intra-articular fractures until week 10-12 minimum

Key Restrictions

No lifting/pushing/pulling; no resistance strengthening until 6 weeks; NWB for intra-articular fractures until 10-12 weeks with surgeon clearance; avoid forceful wrist manipulation; avoid EDC compensatory activity for wrist extension

Timeline & Phases

Phase 1 (0-2 wks): volar wrist vs. Muenster splint; Phase 2 (2-6 wks): wrist orthosis full time, AROM wrist/forearm from week 4; Phase 3 (6-8 wks): submax isometric then progressive wrist/forearm strengthening, begin removing orthosis for light sedentary ADLs; Phase 4 (8-12 wks): wean orthosis, return to activity excluding heavy lifting

Notes

4 phases; Muenster splint option at surgeon discretion; avoid EDC compensation; intra-articular fractures NWB until week 10-12 minimum

Published

09/2024