Screw fixation of the radial head: radiological assessment of the proximal radio-ulnar joint and average radial head diameter-an anatomic study.

INTRODUCTION

Anatomical study of 11 radii heads was done.

METHOD: A screw which is 2 mm longer than radial head diameter was used. Five views (AP with the forearm in supination, neutral rotation, pronation and LAT view the arm in supination and neutral rotation) were taken. In all cases the screw penetration was detected in one or two of the anteroposterior views. The lateral views were not sensitive to detect the screw penetration. For intraoperative assessment of screw length, the anteroposterior views in different position of rotation is sensitive method to detect penetration of the open reduction of head radius. Anteroposterior and lateral view with the arm in same position can miss some case of screw penetration. The diameter of the radial head was assessed.

RESULT: A difference in the radial head diameter between males and females was noticed. This can be reflected on the screw diameter.