Objective　To explore therapeutic effects of different internal fixations on treating the unstable distal radial fracture.　Methods　From Jan. 2004 to Jan. 2009，50 cases suffering from the unstable distal radial fracture were treated with Kirschner wire or plate fixation, combined with bone graft or not. Patients were followed-up and the data were collected.　Results　Wrist function was evaluated according to the Sarmiento standards. The results were excellent in 26 cases, good in 13 cases, better in 7 cases, poor in 3 cases, and the excellent rate was about 79.6% (1 case lost). For 15 cases of open injury, 1 case combined with disconnection of long thumb extensor tendon had a transposition reconstruction surgery of inherent long thumb extensor tendon, 2 cases with skin defect recovered after skin graft, and 13 cases received I healing. Conclusions　In order to provide stable fixation, reduce complications and achieve good clinical efficacy, different fixation methods should be taken to treat unstable distal radius fractures in various situations.