The effect of fracture-related factors on the functional outcome at 1 year in distal radius fractures.

Sixty-nine cases of distal radius fracture were studied retrospectively for various factors that might affect the functional outcome. Patients were treated with various techniques including plaster immobilization, external fixation, open reduction and internal fixation and percutaneous pinning. Functional assessment was made at 1 year after the injury. The most important factor affecting the functional outcome was radial length, followed by volar tilt. Carpal instability was an indicator of poor functional results. The relative movement of the lunate with respect to the distal radial articular surface, when defined as an effective radio lunate flexion of more than 25 degrees, was also associated with poor functional results.