The distal radius fractures are the most common fractures on upper limbs. They are classified as stable and unstable. The unstable ones require surgical treatment. However, literature does not define the best fixation method, but, today, a trend is seen towards using the locked screw plate. An important technical aspect is the distal screws positioning in the subchondral bone, with an adequate support. Fluoroscopy and radiographs are used to evaluate screws position, but there are usually doubts about the accurate positioning. The objectives of this study are to evaluate if it is possible to determine precisely the screw positioning by means of radiographs and if the previous experience of the investigator may improve the results. Cadavers' fists were used in this study. Three screws were introduced to each radius next to the distal joint surface. Specialized hand surgeons and not specialized physicians evaluated the X-ray images, at classic and angled planes, to provide the accurate positioning of each screw, intra or extra joint. The accuracy rate was submitted to statistical analysis. The X-ray images were proven to be a good evaluation method. The X-ray images captured at angled plane resulted in no improvements in the analysis of the screws positioning. Neither did the evaluator experience influence the results.
Radius fractures; Fracture fixation internal; Bone plates
