Examination of 29 cases of fracture of the distal radius with restricted motion or persistent pain in 22 patients showed that most had been caused by incongruity of the distal radioulnar joint or by rotational malalignment in supination or pronation. Imaging of the distal radioulnar joint without superimposition enables us to detect whether disorders of the joint facets are impeding movement. Exact knowledge of the malalignment aids in the planning of osteoplastic surgery.