Poor correlation between functional results and radiographic findings in Colles' fracture

We reviewed 83 consecutive patients with unilateral Colles' fracture in order to identify factors that predict poor functional outcome. All fractures were treated by closed reduction and cast immobilization, and followed-up for at least 2 years. Our results showed that only final dorsal angulation was correlated to loss of flexion. In contrast to other reports, we could not find any relationship between radial shortening and loss of grip strength or loss of range of motion. In addition, the severity of initial displacement, involvement of radio-carpal or distal radio-ulnar joints, and the presence of ulnar styloid fractures or their non-union did not affect the functional outcome.