Radial osteotomy and Bowers arthroplasty for malunited fractures of the distal end of the radius.

Radial osteotomy and hemiresection arthroplasty was performed in fifteen patients who had malunion of a fracture of the distal end of the radius with symptoms predominantly in the radio-ulnar joint and limited rotation of the forearm. Postoperatively, all of the patients had improved rotation and stability of the distal radio-ulnar joint, as well as satisfactory relief of pain. Over-all, grip strength increased an average of 30 per cent, and every patient had substantial improvement in function. The result was very good in four patients, good in eight, and fair in three.