Strategy for distal radial fracture treatment

The fracture of distal radius is so common that it tends to be ignored by orthopaedists, but inappropriate treatment often leads to severe complications. We treated different fractures of distal radius in different ways according to their specific AO classification and evaluated the outcomes by close follow up. Here based on our experience we put forward strategies for treating distal radius fractures. Close reduction and plaster cast immobilization are fit for fractures of type A and type B 1. The common AO plate and screw should be used under one of the following conditions: 1. Close reduction failed. 2. The joint surface of type B fracture displaces obviously. 3. Fractures of types C1, C2 and part of C3. LCP (locking compression plate) is usually used for fractures with osteopenia and of types C2 and C3. External fixators are applied in the cases whose fractures are too comminuted to perform plate and screw fixation.