[The value of external fixation in the treatment of radius fractures of the distal end].

40 distal radial fractures were treated using either and external fixator alone or in combination with other osteosynthetic methods. 31 fractures were available for review with an average follow up 30.3 months. They were assessed according to Pfeiffer's criteria. The functional result was very good or good in 19, moderate in 5 and poor in 7 of these fractures. The functional outcome was related to the degree of articular damage, quality of joint reconstruction and the presence of algodystrophy.