Volar Locking Plate Versus External Fixation for Distal Radius Fracture - a Longterm Follow up

Inclusion Criteria: DS center * acute unilateral dorsally displaced distal radius fracture with a axial shortening of at least 4 mm or a dorsal displacement of at least 20 degrees. * Age 20-70 SÖS center * Age 50-74 for women and 60-74 for men * injury only after fall from a standing height * wrist radiography of at least 20 degrees dorsal dislocation and/or at least 5 mm axial shortening * good knowledge of written and spoken swedish * fracture diagnosed within 72 hours from injury * patient resident within the catchment area of SÖS center Exclusion Criteria: DS center: * no previous fracture of either wrist * ipsilateral acute fracture of the upper extremity * medicated with warfarin * unable to cooperate with follow-up (dementia, substance abuse, psychiatric illness, language problems) * open fracture * fracture that was not amenable by both methods (distal fragment to small or to comminuted) SÖS center: * former disability of either wrist * other concomitant injuries * rheumatoid arthritis or other severe joint disorder * Dementia or pfeiffer score under 5 points * drug abuse, alcohol abuse or psychiatric disorder * dependency in activity of daily living * medical condition contradicting general anesthesia