Aims: Fractures of the distal radius are one of the most frequent fractures in older patients. For treatment this fractures conservative and operative procedures are accept. It was the aim of this retrospective study to point out, clinical and economical advantages of the treatment with the radioradial þxateur externe against the conservative therapy and other operative treatments. Methods: Between September 1999 und December 2000 58 patientens (53 women/5 men), older than 65 years (78,4±8,1), with fractures of the distal radius were treated in our hospital. 50 patients were clinically and radiologically controlled. Results: AO-Classiþcation: A84%, B4%, C12%. 11 patients were treated conservative (group1), 21 patients treated with radio-radial þxation (group2), 17 patients with other osteosynthesis (group3). There were signiþcant differences in the dorsal tilt of the articular plane, proceed from a post-traumatic Δtilt at 25,7¡±8,1¡. The fractures were corrected on a Δtilt at 16,3¡±4,3¡(group1) vs. a Δtilt at -1,0¡±7,2¡(group2) vs. a Δtilt at 9,7¡±6,9¡(group3) (p< 0,001). Also after 12 months this difference was signiþcantly higher: 21,5¡±9,9¡ vs. 1,7¡±7,6¡ vs. 10,5¡±8¡ (p< 0,001). Likewise signiþcant difference was the estimation of the postoperative pain with the visual-pain-analog-scale: 18,4±13,6 vs. 6,6±8,8 (p< 0,05). The costs for ambulant nursing and housekeeping amount to 3500e in group1, in group2 1500e. Conclusions: The treatment of fractures of the distal radius in older patients with poor bone-quality with radio-radial þxateur externe represents a alternative by clinical and radiological good results. Improved motion conducts a clear mean expenditure of ambulant after-treatment. Because of the developing savings-potential and the better clinical and radiological results the radio-radial þxateur externe can be recommended as a cost-lowering and quality-securing treatment.