[Treatment of partial articular fractures of the distal radius in active young adults]

The wrist's function is at stake in young active adults with partial intra-articular fractures of the distal radius. The high energy nature of these injuries, displaced fractures with risk of malunion in case of insufficient treatment, and associated ligament or cartilage damage all hinder the prognosis of these fractures. Many classification systems exist to help us analyze and in some cases, select a treatment. Optimal management requires a high-quality preoperative assessment and a precise surgical technique coupled with the use of arthroscopy to deal with joint and ligament injuries in the same operation. Devices that address the fragmented nature of these fractures provide the best fixation. The primary treatment goal is reduction with less 1mm intra-articular step-off in order to reduce the risk of secondary osteoarthritis and to treat associated ligament damage, which is very common and often under-estimated. Treating the fracture and any associated lesions during the same operation is the best way to ensure a good functional outcome.