The results of a prospective controlled trial of early mobilisation of Colles' fractures in the elderly are presented. Early mobilisation produced less pain and a stronger grip. It did not lead to any greater loss of reduction of the fracture. However, there was no significant improvement in the final range of movement of the wrist. Immobilisation of the wrist for six weeks in plaster is extremely inconvenient for the elderly living alone and the patients greatly appreciated the reduction of this period of time to a minimum.