[Distal radius fracture]

The treatment of fractures of the distal radius is in a state of flux, because the results of conservative treatment have so far been unsatisfactory in 20%-30% of cases. Instability resulting from dorsal compression, damaged ligaments (60%) and the presence of débris in the area of the metaphysis means that, while reduction is easy, retention is frequently difficult to achieve. Such fractures are reduced by using the ball of the little finger for extension while the ball of the thumb is positioned under the proximal fragment to provide support. A plaster cast based on the principle of three-point fixation is applied to immobilize the fractured part. The simplest surgical technique for unstable fractures of the distal radius is internal fixation with crossed Kirschner wires. For Smith's fractures [41], and especially those of type II (Thomas [44]), internal fixation with plates fixed to the volar bone surface is the procedure of choice. Comminuted fractures of the metaphysis and a tendency to shortening should be immobilized by external fixation. Early filling of the defect with cancellous bone leads to more rapid consolidation. In our own clinic we treated 409 cases of fracture of the distal radius in 2 years. The procedures applied were: conservative treatment in 39.6% of cases; internal fixation with wires in 55%; internal fixation with plates in 3.7%; and stabilization by means of external fixation in 1.7%.