Melone Classification of Distal Radial Fractures

Type Description
Type IUndisplaced minimal comminution
Type IILunate Fossa die punch
. Anterior displacement
. Posterior displacement
Type IIIRadial shaft component & above
Type IVTransverse split with rotation of artic fragments
Malone (1984) Classification of Distal Radial Fractures


Many intra-articular fractures not only had instabilty but also have recognisable patterns of displacement

  • Similar to Neer’s for proximal humerus
  • Usually 3-4 component
    • Shaft
    • Radial styloid
    • Dorsal medial
    • Palmar medial