Manipulative management of post-Colles' fracture weakness and diminished active range of motion.

OBJECTIVE

To discuss the management of a patient with wrist weakness and a diminution in active range of motion resulting from Colles' fracture.

METHODS

A 58-year-old woman complained of persistent loss of grip strength and mobility in her right wrist. These complaints were from Colles' fracture occurring 19 months before initiation of care. Dynamometer and goniometric testing revealed significant loss of grip strength and range of motion compared with the uninvolved, nondominant wrist.

RESULTS

Specific joint manipulation for improvement in mobility and grip strength of the wrist was performed. The patient's right wrist was evaluated for grip strength and active range of motion over a 3-week period, providing a baseline of function before treatment. After 4 visits of baseline measurements, a series of 4 treatments and 4 reevaluations was performed. The patient exhibited a significant increase in grip strength and active range of motion.

CONCLUSIONS

Appropriate intervention of chiropractic manipulation and examination procedures culminated in a successful resolution of this case. When such cases are recognized, appropriate management may occur conservatively with judicious application of joint manipulation and reevaluation procedures.