Rehabilitation after plate fixation of upper and lower extremity fractures

Authors

Niloofar Dehghan, The University of Arizona
Sean M. Mitchell, The University of Arizona
Emil H. Schemitsch, Western University

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

6-1-2018

Journal

Injury

Volume

49

First Page

S72

Last Page

S77

URL with Digital Object Identifier

10.1016/S0020-1383(18)30308-5

Abstract

© 2018 Elsevier Ltd Post-operative rehabilitation and weight-bearing protocols are important to fracture fixation outcomes, yet there is a dearth in the literature concerning universal treatment guidelines following plate fixation of extremity fractures. There are controversies regarding time to allow weight-bearing and range of motion for most fractures of the upper and lower extremity. This lack of a consensus has led to varying practice guidelines and differing anecdotal protocols between treating surgeons. This review attempts to establish consensus guidelines for the post-operative rehabilitation required for patients following plate fixation of common upper and lower extremity fractures.