Treatment of Salter-Harris II Fracture of the Distal Radius

Initial Management and Rehabilitation

• Initiate active finger motion exercises immediately following diagnosis to prevent stiffness, which is one of the most functionally disabling complications 1
• Finger motion does not adversely affect adequately stabilized fractures 1

Adjunctive Treatments

• Ice application provides benefit at 3 and 5 days post-injury, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons 2, 3
• Low-intensity ultrasound may improve pain and radiographic union in the short term, though long-term benefits are unproven, as suggested by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons 2, 3

Follow-up Protocol

• Radiographic follow-up at approximately 3 weeks and at immobilization removal, as recommended by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons 1