gms | German Medical Science

Objectives/Interrogation: The reduction of the fractures of the distal radius are of great importance to the evolution of this type of fracture, once the decision to make a surgical management is made, our goal is to achieve a reduction as anatomical as possible. In some cases, this reduction is not achieved in an appropriate form and that is when the surgical technique of the post screw is applied.

Methods: Through a geometric quantification the reduction of the fracture can be improved by using a screw locked in the same plate. The screw is placed and its length is decided according to the pre- established table and depending on the reduction deficit. The corresponding hole is also made according to the table. The screws of the distal branch are fixed first to the epiphysis then the post screw is removed. The correction of the missing angle on the radio's face is made by bringing the proximal branch of the plate to the surface of the radio.

The formula - Ang Tang (a / b) = Alpha

Where it is known, a = known leg (length of the screw), b = known leg (length on plate) and angle a / b known = 90 °

A calculation can be made and recorded in an Excel table to make the correction of the missing angle in each case according to the intra-operative and / or pre-operative images.Through a follow-up of 31 patients with the post screw technique their radiological and clinical studies are monitored, obtaining very good results.

Discussion: We recommend the application of the post screw technique. The safety of the procedure, the correction achieved by this technique, and the advantage of not needing another device other than the same plate and its screw system, gives a good result and does not increase the costs.