A retrospective analysis of the number of therapy visits after distal radius fractures using a new provider-scored clinical severity scale.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study.

INTRODUCTION: Fractures of the distal radius are common as is a postfracture referral to occupational therapy (OT). This article examines factors that cause greater morbidity and a greater number of OT visits.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: This study aims to analyze which of 5 common sequelae of the distal radius fracture is most significant for increasing the number of therapy visits.

METHODS: Three-hundred Sixty charts were reviewed, and 89 were selected. Multiple regression was used to determine which of our 5 independent variables had the greatest predictive power for the total number of therapy visits.

RESULTS: The regression model demonstrated significance at P ≤ .01. Total active motion (TAM) of the digits (P ≤ .01) and TAM of the forearm (P ≤ .01) were the only complications that demonstrated statistical significance and a positive relationship with the number of therapy visits. In addition to this, TAM of the forearm and digits showed a strong correlation with the number of therapy visits. TAM of the wrist, pain, and edema had a weak correlation. Patients with high total group score on the clinical severity scale also had a moderate correlation.

DISCUSSION: The results of the study illustrate the importance of digital contractures on a patient's morbidity, function, and their need for OT visits.

CONCLUSION: The information from this study is important for the clinician as it identifies patients at risk for increased morbidity and identifies the complications that the clinician may want to stress early in the rehabilitation of that patient.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.