We present 16 distal radius fractures in children requiring surgical correction more than 2 weeks after injury. The angulation just before the operation ranged from 22 to 40 degrees in lateral view x-rays. Cases with epiphyseal plate injury (4 cases) showed a tendency to become dislocated within 3 weeks after injury. Colles type fractures (7 cases) included 3 cases of complete dislocation at initial x-ray, and 5 cases of isolated radius fracture. Distal shaft fractures (5 cases) showed the tendency to increase angulation with a relative longer interval from injury to surgical correction. Some cases showed limitation of forearm rotation.
If surgical correction is planned, surgery should be performed within 4 weeks after fracture due to easier resection of the callus.
