[Value of plate osteosynthesis in treatment of radius fractures at a typical site]

In the past, distal radius fractures tended to be treated conservatively. Recently, however, unsatisfactory anatomical and functional results have led to an increase in their surgical treatment. Our preferred method of treatment has been percutaneous pin fixation after closed reduction. In our opinion, open reduction and internal fixation with an A0-plate is indicated for Smith fractures (B3 A0-classification), and for any fractures which cannot be ideally reduced (usually C1 to C3 fractures). From 1972 until 1989, 84 patients with distal radius fractures underwent surgical treatment in the Unfallkrankenhaus Salzburg. The procedure was usually performed under brachial plexus or Bier block, and we preferred a palmarly positioned plate for internal fixation. Follow-up of 42 patients showed good results, the functional and subjective results earning higher marks than the X-ray findings.