[Conservative treatment of distal radius fractures. Results of a retrospective study]

Between 1 January 1984 and 31 December 1986, 175 patients with a total of 178 distal radius fractures were treated conservatively in our department. An average of 25 months after the accidents, 124 patients with 126 fractures (71%) were re-examined. Wrist function was good or excellent in 52.4%, fair in 41.3% and bad in 6.3% of the patients studied. Anatomical results were slightly better, with the patients' subjective evaluation markedly better. The results are analysed and the causes of the unsatisfactory results pointed out. Thereafter, the indications for conservative treatment are discussed and a regimen presented. Conservative treatment alone is not justifiable.