Fractures of the distal radius are being surgically treated with incre
asing frequency, because of the poor results yielded by cast treatment
. Using the AO fracture classification as a basis, we present a treatm
ent regimen for the these fractures. For surgical interventions we pre
fer closed reduction and osteosynthesis with, for ex percutaneus K-wir
e fixation, intrafocal (Kapandji) pinning, minimal open screw osteosyn
thesis, fixateur externe and combined methods; only fractures of type
B2 and B3 will be treated by open reduction and application of an inte
rnal plate. In addition, we present the results of a follow-up examina
tion in 100 patients (85 female, 15 male) with radius fractures treate
d operatively: their average age was 59 years (range 18 - 91) and the
average follow-up period was 21 months (range 12 - 36). According to t
he AO classification we found mostly fractures were of type A3.2 (n =
40) and type C2.2 (n = 23). We selected the method of osteosynthesis i
n dependence on the AO classification. The functional result was judge
d according to Sarmiento's modification of the Gartland and Werley sco
re. The overall results were excellent or good in 80% of the patients,
only 7% had a moderate result; none of the patients had a poor result
. The radiological result was measured by the Lidstrom score: 97%, gra
de I and II; only 2%, grade III; 1% grade IV. Our results have shown t
hat anatomical reduction of the fracture is essential if a good functi
onal result is to be obtained.