Volar Locking Plate Fixation of Distal Radius Fractures: Use of an Intra-Operative ‘Carpal Shoot Through’ View to Identify Dorsal Compartment and Distal Radioulnar Joint Screw Penetration

Abstract

Using the hand and carpus to minimise the contrast in X-ray penetration, the dorsal cortex of the distal radius may be imaged intra-operatively and dorsal compartment screw penetration detected in cases with significant multifragmentation when screw measurement is difficult. This view potentially reduces the risk of post-operative pain and extensor tendon injury and also provides excellent visualisation of the DRUJ.