Quantitative and Clinical Assessment of Flexor Tendon Gliding Following Application of a Bioresorbable Hydrogel: A Prospective, Randomized Study in Patients Undergoing Distal Radius Fracture Repair

Complications

Incidence of any of the following perioperative complications: infection, neurovascular injury, tendon rupture, hardware failure, delayed fracture union, fracture nonunion, fracture malunion, or revision surgery

Time frame: 6 months

Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE)

The Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) measures pain and wrist function. Possible scores range from 0-100, with a higher score indicating a worse outcome.

Time frame: 6 Months

Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH)

The Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) measures limb function and disability. Possible scores range from 0-100, with a higher score indicating a worse outcome (more severe disability).

Time frame: 6 Months

Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain scores

The Visual Analog Scale measures patient reported pain using a 100mm scale. Possible scores range from 0-100, with higher scores indicating more severe pain.

Time frame: 6 Months

Subjective Reporting Specific to Tendon Function

The number of participants reporting the following: 1) pain with resist pinch, 2) perceived tendon triggering, catching, or locking

Time frame: 6 Months

Ultrasound Assessment of Flexor Pollicis Longus and Index Finger Flexor Digitorum Profundus Tendon Morphology

Tendons in the volar forearm will be directly visualized with ultrasound and their physical appearance will be grossly described. For this outcome measure, the number of participants with a healthy tendon, as determined by the physician, will be reported.

Time frame: 6 Months

Key Pinch

Standardized clinical examination (relative to wrist and digital positioning) of key pinch.

Time frame: 6 Months

Three-Jaw Pinch

Standardized clinical examination (relative to wrist and digital positioning of three-jaw pinch.

Time frame: 6 Months

Grip Strength

Standardized clinical examination (relative to wrist and digital positioning) of grip strength.

Time frame: 6 Months

Soong Classification

Routine (3-view) radiographs of the injured wrist to document Soong grading of distal radius plate positioning. Soong et al (2011) proposed the Soong classification to classify palmar prominence at the watershed line, where flexor tendons lie closest to the plate. Classifications are as follows: 0: Plates do not extend volar to the watershed line; 1: Plates are volar to the line, but proximal to the volar rim; and 2: Plates are directly on or distal to the volar rim.

Time frame: 6 Months