A new functional brace for the treatment of Colles' fractures

A new prefabricated brace for the functional treatment of Colles' fractures has been developed. It is applied at fracture reduction and maintains fracture position by the application of three-point loading. In a prospective randomized clinical trial treating 85 displaced Colles' fractures, with blind independent follow-up, the brace gave better functional results than conventional plaster treatment. The improved function was apparent up to 6 months after injury. Finger function and pinch strength were also better in the brace-treated patients. Anatomical results were similar in the two groups.