[Malunion of the distal radius and its treatment. Apropos of 122 radii].

We have reviewed 109 out of 122 operations performed for malunion of the distal radius. An excellent or good result was achieved in 80%, with 3% poor and 7% mediocre. Complications occurred in 12.6%. Accurate assessment of the frontal and sagittal angles of the articular surface of the distal radius was necessary in planning the operation, and correct realignment was required to achieve a proper result. Some cases in which an excellent correction was achieved did not produce a satisfactory outcome because of residual problems with soft tissue or ligaments. No patient with carpal instability had a good result. The morphology of the fracture and the sex or activity level of the patient did not influence the result.