Roentgenographic measurement of angle between shaft and distal epiphyseal growth plate of radius.

To assess the accuracy of the use of the growth plate to shaft angle (GP-S) in the fractured distal radius, two prospective studies were performed. The first intraobserver study was made by three different observers who measured the GP-S angles of anteroposterior and lateral views of 62 wrist radiographs on two different occasions. The results showed a 95% concordance for a 5 degrees tolerance on anteroposterior views and 7 degrees on lateral views. The second, an interobserver study with six different observers, showed the same results. The results favored the use of the distal radius GP-S angle. It is an easy and accurate measurement that can be useful for the assessment of distal forearm deformities in children.