title: Early experience with the TriMed fragment-specific fracture fixation system in intraarticular distal radius fractures.
abstract: This paper reports the results of fixation of intraarticular fractures of the distal radius using the TriMed fragment-specific fixation system by surgeons early in their experience with the system. A consecutive series of 22 AO types C2 and C3 fractures in 21 patients were internally fixed with the system. Restoration of articular congruity to less than 2 mm was possible in 20 fractures. At a minimum of 6 months follow-up, mean volar and radial inclination were 8 degrees and 25 degrees , respectively, with no loss of reduction. The patients had a mean of 50 degrees flexion, 63 degrees extension and a pronation-supination arc of 149 degrees . The mean subjective Patient Rated Wrist Score was 20. Our complication rate was comparable to other published series despite long operating times. Therefore, we commend the system as a powerful tool to treat these difficult fractures but acknowledge the significant learning curve.
authors.affiliation: Upper Limb Unit, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia.
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Saw
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Roberts
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Cutbush
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hodder
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Couzens
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ross
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D018460:Fractures, Comminuted / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D011885:Radius Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*