Advances in fracture management in the hand and distal radius.

Indications for internal and external fixation within the hand skeleton and distal radius have been presented and discussed. When used appropriately, these techniques will provide reliable fracture fixation and superior clinical results. Obviously, these techniques are not appropriate for all fractures. There remains a group of fractures well treated by more conservative methods. Additionally, some fractures exist which cannot be well treated by any method currently available. Nonetheless, these new techniques have added significantly to the clinical success available following the onset and treatment of complex fractures occurring within the hand skeleton and distal radius.