Systematic review and meta-analysis of mobilisation following open reduction and internal fixation of hand fractures.

Delayed mobilisation following open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of hand fractures may contribute to stiffness and poor functional recovery. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate whether timing of mobilisation post-ORIF impacts patient-reported and clinical post-operative outcomes. The review was conducted according to the Cochrane Handbook and was reported in concordance with PRISMA guidelines. All studies reporting mobilisation regimens following ORIF performed within two weeks of metacarpal or phalangeal fractures were included. Of 794 abstracts screened, 53 studies were included, evaluating 1822 hand fractures treated with ORIF. We found differences between mobilisation timing in patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), adverse events and time to radiological fracture union. Immediate mobilisation (≤1 day of ORIF) had the shortest mean bone healing time of 38.7 days (95% CI 34.3, 42.3) compared to early mobilisation (≤7 days) (49.6 days [95% CI 42.8, 56.5]). Delayed mobilisation (>7 days) had the lowest rate of adverse events at 9.3% [95% CI 5.6, 15.2] compared to early mobilisation at 25.0% [95% CI 17.1, 35.0]. However, variable outcome reporting and inconsistent diagnostic criteria limited definitive conclusions. The current literature on post-ORIF mobilisation is heterogeneous. Our meta-analysis demonstrated wide variability in outcomes across different regimens, with overlapping confidence intervals across most summary estimates. A definitive, multi-centre RCT comparing time to mobilisation post-ORIF, including comprehensive outcome reporting and cost-effectiveness analysis, is warranted to inform clinical practice.