Objective To evaluate the effect of dorsal dual-plate fixation for unstable distal radius fractures.Methods Twenty-two cases of unstable distal radius fractures undergone dorsal fixation with a 2.4 mm plate from June 2010 to June 2012 were enrolled.There were 16 males and 6 females with mean age of 54.5 years (range,22-75 years).According to the AO fracture classification,there were 12 cases of type B2,6 type C1 and 4 type C2.Five cases had autologous or allogeneic bone grafting.Results Mean period of follow-up was 14 months (range,5-30 months).According to Gartland-Werley score,the result was excellent in 13 cases,good in 5 cases and fair in 4 cases,with the excellent and good rate of 82％.Volar inclination [(11.07 ± 1.77) °],ulnar declination [(22.30 ± 3.13) °],and radial height [(11.40 ±1.51) °] showed statistical differences from that [(-1.50 ± 7.59) °,(11.90 ± 3.87) °,and (5.20 ±1.55) ° respectively] before operation (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions Dorsal dual-plate fixation can be a reliable and effective technique for AO-B2 shear fractures with intact volar-cortex and dorsal criticallycomminuted fractures of the distal radius.Active bone grafting should be performed for bone defection to promote bone healing.