Distal Radius Fracture

Orthopaedic Associates of Maine

Weight-Bearing

FWB; soft wrist splint at night 2-3 wks initially

Key Restrictions

Therapy begins 4-6 wks post injury/surgery; no strengthening (including grip) until 9-12 wks; soft wrist splint at night initially; wrist extension and supination are priority ROM; grip/pinch strengthening at 9-12 wks only if wrist flex/ext at 50-55°; splint discontinued by 12-15 wks

Timeline & Phases

4-6 wks (cast/fixator removed, A/PROM, no strengthening), 7-8 wks (scar massage, wean splint), 9-12 wks (grip/pinch and wrist strengthening), 12-15 wks (discontinue splint, continue strengthening)

Notes

Covers post-surgical and post-injury management; if PROM not returning for wrist extension/supination, consider dynamic splinting (confirm no bony blocks first); if concurrent carpal tunnel release, avoid repetitive motion until symptoms resolved