Factors influencing functioning after volar locking plate fixation of distal radius fractures: a scoping review of 148 studies

Abstract

Background and purpose: A better understanding of factors that influence functioning may improve the identification of patients with distal radius fractures (DRFs) who need hand therapy. The purpose of this scoping review was to provide a comprehensive overview of factors that have been evaluated for their influence on hand functioning following volar plate fixation of DRFs.Material and methods: 6 databases were searched from 2005 to 2021 for publications regarding surgical treatment for a DRF with a volar locking plate. Included studies evaluated demographic, perioperative, and postoperative factors within the 6 weeks post-surgery for their influence on functioning at least 3 months post-surgery. Functioning was assessed with patient-reported outcome measures. The factors were categorized into themes and mapped to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF).Results: 148 studies were included. 708 factors were categorized into 39 themes (e.g. pain) and mapped to the ICF components. The themes were primarily mapped to “body functions and structures” (n = 26) and rarely to “activities and participation” (n = 5). Fracture type (n = 40), age (n = 38), and sex (n = 22) were the most frequently evaluated factors.Conclusion: This scoping review identified an extensive number of factors evaluated within 6 weeks after surgery for their influence on functioning at least 3 months after volar plate fixation of a DRF and the existing research has primarily evaluated factors related to “body functions and structures,” with limited focus on factors related to “activities and participation.”