As suggested by Muller, a useful classification system for distal radius fractures must consider the severity of the bone lesion and serve as a basis for treatment and for evaluation of outcome. Although these fractures have long been considered to be Colles or Smith's fractures, they have been subjected to extensive scrutiny in order to define fracture morphology and treatment considerations. This review highlights a number of contemporary classification systems for distal radius fractures, including the systems of Older et al., the Comprehensive Classification of fractures, the Melone intra-articular classification system, and that of Fernandez.
