Percutaneous and limited open reduction of the articular surface of the distal radius

Between 1979 and 1986, 40 patients with intraarticular fractures of the distal radius, in which anatomic reduction could not be obtained by closed manipulation or external fixation, underwent a combination of percutaneous and/or limited open reduction techniques to restore articular congruity. All 40 patients' radiographs that were retrospectively reviewed with an average follow-up of 4 years showed satisfactory extraarticular alignment in 85% of cases, and 37 patients (92.5%) demonstrated an articular step-off of less than or equal to 1 mm. Thirty-one patients retrieved for follow-up had a good functional result. The treatment goals of intraarticular fractures of the distal radius are anatomic restoration of the joint surface and optimal fixation to maintain reduction in an effort to prevent posttraumatic arthrosis of the wrist.