461 patients with a dorsally displaced distal radius fracture were randomized to either percutaneous fixation with Kirschner wires or to fixation with a volar locking plate. Follow-up was performed at 3, 6, and 12 months. Results demonstrated no statistically significant differences between groups on the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation at any time point. Patients in the volar locking plate group demonstrated a trend towards superior DASH scores. However, there were no differences in complications or health related quality of life between the two groups.