[Distal radius fractures--forms of fracture and injury pattern]

Fractures at the distal end of the radius are the most frequent fractures. There are still many therapeutical problems. The success of conservative or operative treatment depends mainly on the different types of fractures. In order of compare end results and to recommend therapy, it is necessary to define different fracture types, based on practical classification. A classification of fractures at the distal end of the radius is presented, with localization and reference to the extent of injury with consideration of lesions of the radiocarpal joint and indirectly to the distal radio ulnar joint. In the period of growth five types of injuries are differentiated. In adults three main groups, depending on the involvement of the radio-carpal joint are described. These are subdivided according to dislocation. The fractures types were classified by using X-rays of cases over a period of several years. With this classification the pattern of injury of 593 fractures of the distal end to the radius, treated in 1980 in our clinic, was analysed.