Abstract:Objective To summarize types of intermediate column fractures of the distal radius (ICF), to put up a new classification and investigate its agreement and clinical value. Methods Sixty-four patients with ICF were summarized and divided into the volar, dorsal, split, collapse and collapse with split types. Inter- and intra-observer agreements were analyzed with Kappa statistics. Surgical approach and reduction-fixation method was taken under the guidance of the classification in 45 patients with displaced ICF, while conservative treatment was taken in 13 patients without obvious displaced fractures and 6 patients with displaced fractures who declined surgery. The functional recovery of wrist was evaluated according to Gartland and Werley score. Results The dorsal, volar, split, collapse, and collapse with split types were found in 13, 3, 10, 25 and 13 patients, respectively. The inter- and intra-observer Kappa coefficients were 0.875-0.900, and 0.900-0.925, respectively, indicating almost perfect agreement. All patients were followed-up for 13-36 months (average 18.4 months). At the last follow-up, 1 patient who belonged to displaced collapse with split type had poor reduction of fracture and 5 patients who belonged to displaced collapse type but opted for conservative treatment instead of surgery developed into traumatic arthritis of wrist and had fair results, the rest had excellent or good results. The incidence of traumatic arthritis showed significant difference between the surgery group and the conservative group (χ2 = 4.197, P = 0.041); the difference in the incidence of traumatic arthritis was significant between the collapse group and collapse with split group(χ2 = 9.128, P = 0.003). Conclusions The classification well reflects the characteristics of ICF and may provide an important reference for choosing treatment and evaluating prognosis.