Fractures of the distal end of the radius are the most common fractures in humans. The variants of type of fracture and associated injuries are numerous, depending on the mechanism of injury, the amount of energy absorbed and the quality of the bone. Treatment concepts evolve as our understanding of the physiopathology of this heterogeneous group of injuries increases. It is now commonly accepted that extraarticular anatomy and joint congruency, as well as ligamentous integrity, should be restored to obtain a good functional result. This paper provides an overview of current knowledge and discusses possible future trends.