Anatomical results after distal forearm fractures.

A radiological evaluation of 207 fractures of the distal forearm was performed. 91.5% of the fractures were of Colles' type. Almost 60% of them were intra-articular. A practical classification of Colles' fractures according to intra-articular fracture lines was shown to be useful in assessing the severity of these fractures. It correlated well with the shortening of the radius and the amount of dorsal tilt of the fractured wrist. It also seemed to predict the tendency for worsening of the position during treatment. An impairment of the position was noticed in more than 60% of cases. The anatomical result was evaluated as good or excellent in 60% of cases. Women seemed to have slightly better results. In age groups 35-44 and 45-54 years, the outcome was somewhat worse.