[Corrective interventions for malunited fractures of the distal end of the forearm. Indications, choice of procedure, results].

Malunion, non-union, as well as painful ligamentous joint instability following fractures to the distal forearm may seriously compromise the function of a hand. Forty-seven surgically treated cases, thirty-nine of which were followed up, are presented in order to point out the problems of such lesions. Retrospective evaluation of the lesion is absolutely mandatory, as it often dates back to childhood. Management should take clinical findings as well as the patient's functional demands on his hands into consideration, but without overestimating therapeutic potentials.