Functional recovery after fractures of the distal forearm. Analysis of radiographic and other factors affecting the outcome.

Functional recovery of the wrist and hand after a fracture of the distal forearm in 207 consecutive patients was analysed. A good or excellent result was achieved in 77 percent, fair in 22.5 percent and poor in 0.5 percent of cases. The result in 14 unstable fractures treated with external fixation was as good as that of the whole series. Good functional results were associated with extra-articular fractures, good anatomical results, male sex and low age. Comminuted intra-articular fractures of the radiocarpal joint, fracture line into the distal radio-ulnar joint, fracture of the ulnar styloid and a poor anatomical result in addition to high age contributed to a poor result.