The importance of the distal radioulnar joint in distal radial fractures.

In a prospective study we evaluated the results of 272 distal radial fractures by their involvement of the distal radioulnar joint. Impaired function following altered anatomy at the distal radius can be explained by dysfunction of the distal radioulnar joint. Ulnar styloid avulsions contribute to a poorer result because of their effect on distal radioulnar joint function.