Colles' fracture. How should its displacement be measured and how should it be immobilized?

In a study of 250 consecutive cases of Colles' fracture, analysis of various radiographic criteria for displacement showed that only the measurements for dorsal displacement and radial displacement were independent of each other. These measurements suffice for the comparison of series. The fractures randomly were divided into five equal groups, immobilized according to five different techniques. The technique of immobilization was found to be of subordinate importance for the final results, which are determined by the original displacement and the success of reduction.