OBJECTIVETo analyze the cause of the postoperative shortening in distal radius fractures and to find treatment strategies to enhance the reduction effect of distal radius fracture and long-term efficacy.

METHODSFrom June 2005 to January 2009, 46 patients with distal radius fractures were treated by surgical operation including 17 males and 29 females,ranging from 27 to 90 years old with an average age of 48 years. All fractures were reduced satisfactory with smooth articular surface. The postoperative radial shortening was analyzed.

RESULTSAll patients were followed-up for 6 to 24 months with an average of 14 months. Among them, 12 patients had radial shortening. The causes of postoperative radial shortening includes: (1) patients older than 60 years; (2) severe osteoporosis; (3) preoperative displacement and comminuted fractures; (4) inappropriate fixation methods; (5) inadequate bone graft; (6) premature load.

CONCLUSIONThe key points to enhance the treatment outcomes include precise judgement of the fracture type and bone quality, sufficient bone graft, firmly fixed after anatomical reduction and an appropriate plan for early loadless functional exercise. Traumatic arthritis may be avoided or delayed if the above-mentioned six causes can be taken into consideration or preventive measures can be taken.