Abstract
We treated a female in her nineties who sustained a distal radius fracture. Regarding patient progress, although post-fracture pain decreased, sensory differences between left and right sides were present during object manipulations. In particular, the patient had difficulty using chopsticks. For these reasons, we hypothesized that plastic transformation of the central region due to peripheral receptor damage and immobilization occurred. Thus, we attempted peripheral nerve sensory stimulation, which was reported to promote reorganization of the central region. As a result, although motor function improved, object manipulation exhibited little improvement. Therefore, Mental Practice (MP) was added to improve object manipulation, and the patient was able to use chopsticks at meals. These results suggest that combined intervention of peripheral nerve sensory stimulation and MP contribute to functional recovery after distal radius fracture.
