In a retrospective study we compare the functional and radiographical results of 2 groups of patients with unstable distal radial fractures treated with external fixation. In Group 1, 20 patients with 21 fractures were treated with external fixation for 3 weeks followed by a cast for 2 weeks. In Group 2, 16 patients were treated with external fixation for 5 weeks. The functional outcome was good in both treatment groups with no significant difference between the results in the two groups. Radiologically, Group I had less radial shortening than Group II, but there was no difference in the degree of dorsal angulation.