ABSTRACT
Distal radius fractures are extremely common injuries that are
most frequently seen in children and again later in life in elderly
osteopenic women (1). The majority of distal radius fractures
are simple fractures resulting from a fall and impact on an
outstretched hand, and may be treated nonoperatively. High-
energy distal radius fractures are more common in younger
adults, and in these patients, the need for operative stabilization
is more likely. In addition, some of the osteoporotic low-energy
fractures may be unstable injuries that require operative stabil-
ization. The demands of the elderly patient are increasing as
they become more active and physiologically healthier. The use
of external fixators, augmented with pins, screws, or small
plates inserted through percutaneous or minimally invasive
means, is a useful technique in the treatment of distal
radius fractures.
