88 patients with distal radius fracture were selected for surgical fixation. This group was randomized to be managed with either bridging external fixation with supplementary Kirschner-wire (K-Wire) fixation or volar locked plating with screws. The patients treated by volar plating had a significant early improvement in the range of movement of the wrist; this advantage diminished with time, and in absolute terms the difference in range of movement was clinically non-relevant. No clinically significant differences in the reductions was observed on radiographs. Both groups had comparable function at one year. No definitive advantage of either treatment could be established; however, fewer re-operations were required in the external fixation group.