Introduction：Distal radius fractures are one of the most common fractures and we often see patients who have radial shortening either the result of neglect or after treatment with casting. Some patients tolerate the deformity with little complaint while others may have serious disability. We are presenting a type of treatment where osteotomy and radial lengthening with cortical bone graft is an effective treatment.

Materials and Methods：From September 2000 to October 2006, 8 wrists in 6 females and 2 males ( average age 63 years ) were treated. Indications for operation were radial shortening without OA change of the wrist or distal radioulnar joints plus chronic wrist pain not responding to conservative treatment. A volar approach and an osteotomy was done about 2 cm from the wrist joint. The distraction gap was filled with autogenous cortical strut bone graft from the iliac crest or the distal radius and a T plate was used as internal fixation.
Results：At follow up evaluation was done based on the patient’s satisfaction, wrist pain, X-ray finding, grip strength and range of motion. Pain improved in all patients after surgery and patients were mostly satisfied with the cosmetic and functional improvement . X-ray showed correction of the radial length and radioulnar angles..

Discussion：Radial shortening after distal radius fractures are quite frequent and selection of those with chronic wrist pain and disability which can be corrected with a radial lengthening procedure. Careful preoperative planning about the amount of lengthening required and the correction of the angulation is important for the success of the procedure.

Conclusion：We present a type of treatment for this frequent complication after distal radius fractures which is a useful procedure. The results are predictable and usually satisfactory and complications are minimal.