Objective To investigate the clinical effects of minimally invasive technique in the treatment of the unstable distal radius fractures.  Methods From May 2003 in our department

33 injured sides of 31 patients with unstable distal radius fractures were treated with external fixation combined with Kirschner wire fixation

12 males and 19 females

aged from 42 to 81 years with an average age of 54.15 years. According to AO/ASIF classification

there were 2 sides of type B1

2 sides of type B2

4 sides of type B3

8 sides of type C1

12 sides of type C2

and 5 sides of type C3.  Results All patients were followed up for average 18 months (range from 6 to 36 months). Bone union was achieved in all cases. The data were evaluated with Dienst scale system: 22 sides were graded as excellent

7 good

and 4 fair.  Conclusion External fixation combined with limited internal fixation in the treatment of the unstable distal radius fractures is a minimally invasive surgery. This procedure is simple and reliable in fixation

and can achieve excellent functional recovery.