ABSTRACT
Initially, as described by Colles in 1814, distal radius fractures
were considered entities that had universally good outcomes,
deserving only benign neglect as treatment (1). Although this
may occur for nondisplaced distal radius fractures that heal
uneventfully, many authors have demonstrated high compli-
cation rates with conservative management of more
complicated fractures (2,3). More recently, surgeons have
become more aggressive in their treatment of distal radius
fractures due to the recognition that good outcomes depend
on the restoration of normal anatomy (4-8). Even though distal
radius fractures are exceedingly common injuries, it is this
restoration of normal anatomy, specifically the articular
surface, which can present a significant challenge for the
treating surgeon.
