The form and severity of fracture of the distal radius as well as the concomitant injury of discoligamentary structures of the wrist depend on the position of the wrist at the moment of hitting the ground. The width of this angle influences the localization of the fracture. Pronation, supination and abduction determine the direction of force and the compression of the carpus and the different appearances of ligamentary injuries. The classifications of these fractures published by Frykman (1967) and M. E. Müller et al. (1989, AO-Group), incomplete, are useful for objective evaluation or documentation and may suggest indications for treatment when critically used.