[Classification of distal radius fractures and its diagnostic value].

In the conservative treatment of distal radial fractures the main problem is redislocation due to instability. We evaluated the three classification methods most often used to find out how well the different groups correspond to instability and severity of fractures-thus what their prognostic value is in the probable recovery time. Based on an analysis of 633 cases, we found that neither the most often used Frykman nor the AO and older classifications have any practical significance in this respect.