Effect of delayed distal radius fracture fixation on the difficulty of surgical operation

•This study analyzed the effects of delayed distal radius fracture fixation on intraoperative and postoperative outcomes.•Early fixation within 10 days was associated with a significantly shorter operation, a lower bone grafting rate and fewer additional incisions.•For each day of delay, the operation time increased by 2.17 min, and the rate of both bone grafting and additional incisions increased by 8% each.•Postoperative radiographic parameters, postoperative pain and wrist range of motion were significantly better in the early fixation group.•We suggest that distal radius fracture fixation be performed as early as possible to reduce surgical complexity and improve postoperative outcomes.