PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the results between open reduction and internal fixation with plate and screws and closed reduction and external fixation with Ilizarov device for the fracture of disatal metaphyseal fracture of tibia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, the results in treatment of the 19 distal metaphyseal fractures of tibia with closed reduction and external fixation with Ilizarov device were compared with those in treatment of the 23 fractures with open reduction and internal fixation with a plate and screws. The cases were the patients who had been treated for the fractures at the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Dankook University Hospital from May 1997 to December 2000. The results of treatment were analysed using functional evaluation by Mast and Teipner and radiological evaluation by Ovadia and Beals. RESULTS: The results were as follows: 1. The major causes of injury were motor vehecle accidents, fall-downs, and falls from a height in order. 2. Treatment of the fractures with closed reduction and external fixation with Ilizarov device showed comparable results to that with open reduction and internal fixation with a plate and screws. 3. Complications in treatment were a little more frequent in open reduction and internal fixation with a plate and screws than in closed reduction and external fixation with Ilizarov device. CONCLUSION: Considering the results, closed reduction and external fixation with Ilizarov device is thought to be one of recommendable options in treatment of the distal metaphyseal fractures of tibia with the advantages in wound management, prevention of stiffness of ankle joint, and convenience in removal of the device.