The Impact of Occupational Therapy on Patient Outcomes Following Total Wrist Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: There are few studies examining the correlation between postoperative occupational rehabilitation and patient outcomes after total wrist arthroplasty (TWA). Similar to other arthroplasties, specialized therapy may benefit patients following TWA by improving rehabilitation outcomes. This study investigates the association between TWA postoperative occupational therapy and patient outcomes, hypothesizing improved range of motion (ROM), fewer complications, and reduced costs from fewer additional surgeries.

METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted on 35 patients (average age, 66; range, 56-78) who underwent TWA. Patients were divided based on whether they attended postoperative occupational therapy at our institution. Data collected included demographics, ROM, Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scores, complications, and total surgical costs.

RESULTS: Our results showed that patients receiving Specialized Therapy had similar ROM outcomes. No significant differences were found in wrist extension, flexion, pronation, supination, radial/ulnar deviation, or grip strength improvements (P = .077, P = .879, P = .699, P = .393, P = .682, P = .694, P = .976). However, the specialized therapy group had significantly fewer complications than the general therapy group (P = .04). Both groups experienced comparable additional surgery rates and surgical costs.

CONCLUSION: Specialized therapy after TWA was associated with a significantly lower complication rate. Patients who underwent general therapy achieved comparable ROM outcomes, although they demonstrated a non-significant decrease in pronation and supination relative to baseline. Overall surgical costs and reoperation rates were similar between groups.