Management of fractures of the distal radius: surgeon's perspective.

The new millennium represents a time for expanding our present knowledge of the treatment of distal radius fractures, based on the foundation of information that has been gathered over the past century. Treatment-oriented classifications have replaced the prior generalization applied to all "Colles fractures" and have directed preoperative planning. Newer external fixation frames, improved surgical technique, and superior instrumentation allow for safer reproducible ligamentotaxis. These current concepts of treatment along with a comprehensive therapy plan have provided the basis for enhanced recovery from these challenging injuries.