Twelve patients with unstable fracture of the distal end of the radius were treated by external fixation. Between November 1993 and October 1996, we treated unstable fractures of the distal end of the radius in 5 males and 7 females ranging in age from 42 to 77 years. The postoperative observation period ranged from 6 to 20 month.
Postoperative clinical findings were evaluated according to Saito's method. Functional results were 6 excellent, 5 good and 1 fair. In the patient with a fair result, bone grafting was performed. External fixation was effective especially for treating unstable fracture of the distal end of the radius.