[Reconstruction or arthrodesis following injuries of the wrist joint].

In fractures of the distal radius, standard operations including Kirschner-wire fixation, plating and fixation by external fixator may be carried out to restore the distal articular surface. Whereas the indication for Kirschner-wire osteosynthesis is limited, plating is used in irreducible fractures, in radius defects and in the case of a combination with fractures of carpal bones. In sprains and comminuted fractures the use of external fixator combined with Kirschner-wire and plating is the approved technique. Best results with plating can be attained in primary or early secondary treatment within the first two weeks after injury. In case of injuries of the radius and the carpal bones together with injuries of the soft parts, a two-phase-treatment can be recommended--first external fixation and then after recovery of the soft parts, arthrodesis with interposition of a cortico-cancellous wedge and osteosynthesis.