This study is to evaluate the radiologic results after close reduction for the distal radius fractures that were reduced.

From March 1996 to Feburary 1999, thirty-four patients with distal radius fracture were treated with close reduction and cast immobilizationat at Ewha Womans University Hospital. The radiograph were taken after reduction and at 3days, 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 6 weeks. Three parametersof the radiograph were measured.; radial inclination, palmar angulation and radial shortening. The radiological results were estimated by the criteria of Sarmiento.

In 34 patients, type I were 10 cases, type II were 15 cases, type III were 6 cases, type IV-A were 3 cases by the Universal classification. The average value of the radiologic parameters after reduction were followings s; radial inclination(RI) 18.2°, palmar angulation(PA) 9.3° and radial shortening(RS) 1.8mm in type I. RA 17.2°. PA 8.4° and RS 2.0mm in type II. RI 16.5°, PA 8.0°, RS 2.5mm in type III. RI 14.9°, PA 7.7°, RS 3.5mm in type IV. At 6weeks after reduction, RI 17.8°, PA 9.2° and RS 2.1mm in type I. RA 16.7°, PA 7.6° and RS 2.6mm in type II, RI 15.4°, PA 7.0°, RS 4.0mm in type III. RI 13.3°, PA 6.2°, RS 5.2mm in type IV.

Loss of reduction after close reduction with cast immobilization for type III and IV were occurred more frequtently than type I and II.