Trimed fixation system for displaced fractures of the distal radius.
OBJECTIVE
To study the functional outcome of displaced distal radius fractures treated by open reduction and internal fixation with the use of fragment-specific fixation.


METHODS
Fifteen consecutive displaced distal radius fractures (5 extra-articular and 10 intra-articular) were treated using the Trimed distal radius fixation system (Trimed, Valencia, CA). Radiographic assessment and range of motion of the affected wrist were evaluated postoperatively. Functional outcomes were evaluated with use of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire and the Gartland and Werley scoring system.


RESULTS
The mean follow-up was 11 months. The patients initiated controlled passive and active motion exercises during the first week. The mean score on the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire was 16 points. The mean return to work was 12 weeks. The functional outcome was 80% excellent or good by the Gartland and Werley scoring system for intra-articular fractures and 80% excellent for extra-articular fractures. Range of active motion in intra-articular fractures was measured 60 degrees wrist extension, 64 degrees flexion, 65 degrees pronation, and 70 degrees supination, and for extra-articular fractures, 75 degrees extension, 70 degrees flexion, 80 degrees pronation, and 75 degrees supination. There was failure of fixation with loss of the reduction that was achieved at the time of operation in one patient.


CONCLUSIONS
Fragment-specific fixation of unstable distal radius fractures using the Trimed system appears to be effective. Anatomic reduction, earlier range of motion, and improved functional results can be achieved using low-profile implants.
Gerostathopoulos
Nicolaos
N
Hand and Microsurgery Clinic, General Hospital KAT, Athens, Greece.
Kalliakmanis
Alkiviadis
A
Fandridis
Emmanouil
E
Georgoulis
Stylianos
S
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005592:Fracture Fixation / Q000379:methods*; D018737:Hand Strength; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D011885:Radius Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012086:Reoperation; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome