[Indications and results of plate osteosynthesis of the distal radius]

Plating of the distal radius is indicated in: a) flexion fractures, b) irreducible intraarticular fractures, c) unstable extraarticular extension fractures, d) chisel fractures of the radial styloid process and the navicular bone, e) correction osteotomies after defective bone healing. The paper presents the final results of 124 radial plate fixations. 73.4% had excellent and good, 20.1% fair, and 6.5% bad results. There was a close correlation between radiologic appearance and clinical function. Early secondary surgery (4th-14th day) showed the best results. Old age had a highly negative influence.