Functional recovery of distal radius fracture: An interpretative phenomenological analysis

Distal radius fracture (DRF) is the most common upper limb fracture, which reduces independence in daily living activities. This study explored the functional recovery of distal radius fracture six months post-injury. We conducted a qualitative study using an interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA). Eleven adults aged 18 and 59 with DRF participated in face-to-face, semi-structured, in-depth interviews recorded digitally. In addition, transcribed recordings were analysed thematically. Four themes emerged from the analysis: (i) I could or could not do, (ii) How I live my life, (iii) what I feel like, and (iv) Something is wrong with my hand. Following over six months of injury, all participants experienced physical limitations where most participants reported reduced daily activities performance. Consequently, some participants developed adaptive strategies to enhance their daily activities’ ability. DRF also affected their psychological aspects. Overall, DRF affects individuals’ functioning in daily living activities, work and leisure for over six months post-injury. This study highlights that occupational therapists need to maintain or strengthen functional recovery and support individuals with DRF even for over six months post-injury.