artículos científicos de 2022 en adelante acerca de la rehabilitación o fisioter

Recent scientific literature from 2022 onward addressing rehabilitation or physiotherapy in the management of distal third radius fractures primarily involves comparative effectiveness of treatment modalities and the role of newer rehabilitation delivery methods such as telerehabilitation. Surgical treatment with volar locking plates offers superior anatomical realignment and lower complication rates compared to conservative cast immobilization, yet both approaches yield similar long-term functional outcomes including range of motion and patient-reported scores after 12 months Gao et al. 2026. From a rehabilitation perspective, although surgical patients tend to regain grip strength and rotation better in the short term, conservative treatment preserves wrist extension better, indicating rehabilitation goals should be individually tailored based on functional demands Gao et al. 2026.

Telerehabilitation interventions, emerging as a viable physiotherapy approach for upper limb fractures including distal radius fractures, demonstrate moderate evidence for improving functional capacity and reducing pain, while effects on physical capacity such as handgrip strength are less consistent immediately post-intervention but improve over medium-term follow-up (2–5 months) da Silva et al. 2025. These findings support the integration of telerehabilitation modalities into rehabilitation plans to increase accessibility and patient autonomy, although standardized protocols are still lacking da Silva et al. 2025.

UK guidelines emphasize the importance of patient-centred rehabilitation that supports active patient participation and aligns rehabilitation goals with expected outcomes, including restoring upper limb load bearing and mobilization after fracture management (NG38) NICE NG38. While not specific to distal radius fractures, the guidelines highlight the necessity of individualized rehabilitation plans, ongoing evaluation, and clear patient education regarding rehabilitation pathways (NG38, NG37, CKS-Rehabilitation after traumatic injury) NICE NG38,NICE NG37,NICE CKS. The integration of rehabilitation into fracture management aligns with the literature demonstrating that functional recovery and patient satisfaction depend not only on anatomical outcomes but also on the quality and delivery of rehabilitation interventions.

In summary, contemporary evidence recommends that rehabilitation or physiotherapy following distal third radius fractures should consider the treatment modality (surgical vs conservative), patient functional priorities, and feasible delivery methods, including telerehabilitation. Surgical fixation may enable earlier and stronger functional recovery, but conservative management with tailored rehabilitation remains a valid option, especially for patients with lower functional demands or in contexts where surgery is less preferred. Incorporation of telerehabilitation can enhance functional rehabilitation outcomes and pain control post-fracture Gao et al. 2026da Silva et al. 2025 NICE NG38. Providers should follow established UK guidance to ensure rehabilitation is holistic, goal-oriented, and communicated effectively to patients (NG38, CKS-Rehabilitation after traumatic injury) NICE NG38,NICE CKS.