Frykman Classification of Distal Radial Fractures

The Frykman classification divides distal radius fractures into types I to VIII according to involvement of the radiocarpal joint, the distal radioulnar joint and the presence of an ulnar styloid fracture. Even numbered types include an ulnar styloid fracture.

FractureNo Distal Ulna FractureWith Distal Ulnar Fracture
Extra-articularIII
Intra-articular
Radiocarpal JointIIIIV
Radioulnar JointVVI
RC + RU JointVIIVIII
Frykman (1967) Classification of Distal Radial Fractures
  • Frykman, G. ” Fracture of the distal Radius including Sequelae – Shoulder- hand Syndrome, Disturbance in the distal Radio-ulnar Jt, & Impairment of Nerve Function”
  • Acta Orthop. Scand. 108(suppl): 1-155, 1967
  • Recognises importance of DRUL
  • Criticisms
    • Doesn’t recognise displaced vs undisplaced
    • Does not include extent or direction of initial displacement
    • Does not include presence of dorsal comminution
    • Does not include presence of shortening of the distal fragment
    • Not prognostic
Frykman Classification of Distal Radial Fractures, radiograph of a displaced distal radius fracture
Radiograph of a displaced distal radius fracture. Image by Curtishand, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain.

Reviewed by Professor Phong Tran, Head of Orthopaedic Surgery, Western Health. Last updated 10 October 2026.