[Corrective osteotomy following peripheral radius fractures. Method and results].

Malunion of distal radius fractures leads, especially in those patients who are manually employed, to functional disability of the hand. Painful impingement on the ulnar side of the wrist results in decreased range of motion in pronation/supination and loss of strength. By reconstructing as precisely as possible the axial and longitudinal relationship of the forearm bones, the desired congruence of the distal radioulnar joint can be achieved, this improving greatly the strength and function of the hand. Indications, point of time, as well as technique in operating will be presented in short form in 42 of our own cases: complications will also be discussed. The roentgenographic and functional results, as well as the subjective evaluation from 33 patients whose operations took place longer than a year ago, before and after the malunion correction, will be listed according to our postoperative examination protocol for radius fractures. In all three parameters positive results could be shown, especially in the patient's subjective analysis. Notice will be taken on the special difficulties in position corrections in cases in which the ulnar side fragment is dislocated.