[Distal radius fracture. Surgery or plaster cast?]]

Fractures of the distal radius are most commonly seen in women in the sixth and seventh decade of life. These fractures range in severity from simple, stable non-dislocated metaphyseal transverse fractures of the distal radius to complex, intra-articular fractures of the wrist with involvement of the carpus. This means that individual consideration of the appropriate therapeutic approach that needs to be adopted is required. A decisive role for surgical treatment is played by the anatomical angles at the radiocarpal articular surface, and the congruence of the distal radio-ulnar joint. If care is not taken to establish proper anatomical relationships, persistent problems must be expected.