[Treatment of fractures of the radius head]

Conservative treatment of fractures of the distal radius often results in malunion. The reasons are discussed. The method of the percutaneous Kirschner wire transfixation for stabilization of the fracture is described. We have seen good results with this method and employ it because of its easy performance and safety. 32 patients with different kind of fractures of the distal radius were treated thus with satisfactory results. Advantages and disadvantages of the Kirschner-wire method are discussed.