[Indications and results of corrective radius operations]

Posttraumatic malunion usually results from incorrect treatment of a Colles or Smith fracture. Chronic pain, limited motion and impaired power can be avoided and the cosmetic appearance of the hand improved, by restoration of the functional anatomy of the wrist. The malalignment is corrected by open wedge osteotomy of the distal end of the radius. A small iliac cortico-cancellous bone graft is inserted at the osteotomy site. By using this technique, it is usually possible to avoid additional resection of the distal ulna. The surgical approach dorsal or palmar is determined by the type of dislocation. The small T-plate offers a stable fixation. The results are illustrated by 41 cases.