Objectives: To determine the effectiveness of closed reduction and plaster cast immobilization in the treatment of distal radius fractures. Methods: The study included 20 patients (age range 23-87 years) who underwent treatment with conventional closed reduction and plaster-cast immobilization for distal radius fractures between 1992 and 1994. Early (8 weeks) and late (5 years) functional and radiologic results were evaluated. Fractures were classified according to the Frykman classification. Functional and radiologic results were evaluated using Gartland and Werley, and Porter and Stockle scorings, respectively. Results: Early and late functional results were as follows: excellent 15% vs 50%, good 45% vs 50%, and fair 40% vs 0%. The corresponding radiologic results were excellent 5% vs 20%, good 70% vs 75%, and fair 25% vs 5%. Conclusion: Fractures of the distal radius can be treated conservatively with proper reduction, close follow-up, and effective rehabilitation, with satisfactory functional and radiologic results. The most important criteria for early and late follow-up appear to be radial shortening, dorsal angulation, and intraarticular deplacement. Careful evaluation of these parameters may provide valuable information even about functional capacity in the remote future.