Fractures of the distal radius treated by internal fixation and early function. A prospective study of 73 consecutive patients.

Stable fixation of fractures of the distal radius can be achieved by using two 2.0 mm titanium plates placed on the radial and intermediate columns angled 50 degrees to 70 degrees apart. We describe our results with this method in a prospective series of 74 fractures (58 severely comminuted) in 73 consecutive patients. Early postoperative mobilisation was possible in all except four wrists. All of the 73 patients, except two with other injuries, returned to work and daily activities with no limitations. The anatomical results were excellent or good in 72 patients and fair in one. Our discussion includes details of important technical considerations based on an analysis of the specific complications which were seen early in the series.