Comminuted fractures of distal radius are usually unstable and complex injuries, which require prolonged treatment and often result in some degree of permanent disability. Previous treatment was mainly closed reuction and cast immobilization, and operative treatment of accurate open reduction, internal fixation and bone graft when needed. But recently ligamentotaxis of the fracture using external fixation device has been widely employed.

Which could be followed up for 12 cases of comminuted fractured of distal radius operated with external fixators, more than 1 year, during the period of September 1990 to September 1994 at Seoul Paik Hospital was reviewed. According to Frykmalls classification, the most common type was type VIII (7 cases, 58.3%).

There was 1 open fracture, and 7 combined injuries of ipsilateral upper extremity.

According to AO classification, 9 cases(75%) were type C2 and C3. The most common cause was failing down from a height(6 cases). Additional limited internal fixation was done in 5 cases, all 12 cases were treated external fixators. Results were defined with modified Gartland & Werleys demerit pointing system, exellent was 6 cases(50fr), good wa,i 4 cases(33.3F)), poor was 2 cases. Surgical treatment using external fixators and/or limited open reduction was good Inethod for comminuted distal radius.