Liane Ventura, faculty in the East Tennessee State University College of Public Health’s Center for Applied Research and Evaluation (CARE) in Women’s Health, co-authored research on distal radius fracture management in the Journal of Hand Therapy. The publication is titled “A qualitative inquiry to explore management of distal radius fracture by certified hand therapists.”
Saurabh Mehta, associate professor in the ETSU Physical Therapy program, is lead author. Additional authors include James Boone, associate professor in the ETSU Physical Therapy program, as well as faculty from Marshall University.
Distal radius fractures (DRF) are extremely common in middle-aged and elderly. Certified Hand Therapists (CHT) are experts in managing hand injuries including distal radius fractures. Using a qualitative descriptive methodology, this study examined practice patterns among certified hand therapists and identified common patterns in managing these fractures. A semi-structured interview guide was conducted, using open-ended questions..
Of the 12 participants, five were physical therapists and seven were occupational therapists with an average experience of 14.1 years as certified hand therapists. Practice patterns across domains were largely consistent. All participants reported inquiring about severity of displacement of distal radius fractures, orthopedic management, comorbidities, and medical history as well as examining wrist/hand range of motion, grip strength, and wrist functions. A large majority administered outcome measures and performed sensory and integumentary assessment. Patient education regarding injury and exercises was the key element for interventions. Adequate gains in grip strength, wrist functions, wrist range of motion, and ability to use wrist/hand for functional tasks were the key benchmarks for discharge from care.
Most practice behaviors were common among certified hand therapists while managing distal radius fractures. Some variations exist depending whether their primary discipline is physical or occupational therapy. The results highlight knowledge-to-action gap, where most therapists do not integrate fall-risk management in these fractures.