Evaluation of Treatment of the Articular Fractures of the Distal Radius with Reference to Ulnar Variance

Thirty-five patients with 37 articular fractures of the distal radius were evaluated as to the results of treatment radiologically and subjectively by questionnaire. Three patients complained of discomfort and were graded as poor. Two of them were initially treated by manual reduction and plaster fixation. Re-dislocation of the fragment, however, occurred in the plaster and consequently loss of integrity of the distal radio-ulnar joint remained, presenting ulnar plus variant on radiological antero-posterior view. Ulnar plus variant resulted from either re-dislocation of the fragment or shortening of the radius. To estimate the reduction rate of the fracture and its maintenance, calculation of the dorsal tilting angle and ulnar variance is useful in treatment of the fracture.