Purpose: We carried out a prospective study of the TriMed system for treating displaced, intra-articular distal radius fractures.

Methods: All patients with distal radius fractures fixated with the TriMed system since June 2001 were prospectively followed for 6 months. Measurements included range of motion, grip strength, key pinch, and Jebsen-Taylor test. Outcomes were evaluated using the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire (MHQ).

Results: Results from 17 enrolled patients were compared to their uninjured hands. Wrist range of motion returned to near normal with flexion + extension of 94 degrees (p= n.s.) and supination + pronation of 144 degrees (p= n.s.). Mean grip and pinch strength were 42 and 15 pounds, respectively (p= n.s.). Jebsen-Taylor test showed that the injured hands were 11 seconds slower than the uninjured hands (p=0.001). The MHQ scores were generally less in the injured extremities in overall function (64 vs. 99, p=0.01) and activities of daily living (72 vs. 100, p=0.02), and patients still experienced pain, with a mean score of 37 (based on a scale of 0-100, lower score indicates less pain).

Conclusion: Six months postoperatively, recovery of strength and range of motion are excellent. The MHQ assessment shows that patients still complain of residual problems.