[What is the value of stable osteosynthesis of the distal radius?]

127 or 4% of the fractures of the distal radius seen in our department between 1968 and 1979 have been treated by internal fixation. 85 of these wrists could be reviewed after an average of 4.8 years. 70% of the fractures were multifragmentary and 87% involved the joint surface. In this difficult group correct length of the radius was restored in two thirds, and physiological angles of the joint in one third of the cases. In spite of frequent limitation of motion of the wrist joint, 80% of the patients were satisfied with the result. Careful selection of cases for internal fixation is necessary. It is indicated mainly in the Smith type fractures but may be replaced by percutaneous K-wire pinning, the external fixator or a delayed osteotomy.