Your 80-year-old patient fractured his distal radius and ulna 6 weeks ago.He wore a cast during this period, extending from the mid-humerus to, but not including, the metacarpophalangeal joints.His cast was removed yesterday because of evidence of clinical union, and he has been cleared to begin exercise.ROM is limited (wrist flexion and extension, thumb flexion, forearm supination, and elbow extension).Which type of exercise is contraindicated at this time?
A)Grade II distraction of the humeroulnar joint
B)Active ROM of all limited joints
C)Passive stretching to increase wrist, forearm, and elbow ROM
D)Grade III joint mobilization (gliding technique) to increase flexion of the thumb

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Passive stretching to increase wrist, forearm, and elbow ROM is contraindicated at this time because the patient has just had his cast removed after a fracture. The bones, although clinically united, and the surrounding tissues are still in a vulnerable state of healing. Aggressive passive stretching could potentially cause harm or delay in the recovery process by stressing the healing tissues too soon. Active ROM exercises and gentle joint mobilizations are more appropriate at this stage to facilitate recovery without imposing undue stress on the healing structures.

Your 80-Year-Old Patient Fractured His Distal Radius and Ulna 6