• The correction leverage technique significantly reduced distal locking screw placement time compared to the free-hand technique (t=-4.136, P < 0.001).
• The correction leverage technique significantly reduced the number of X-ray exposures (t=-19.696, P < 0.001).
• The first-attempt accuracy was 100% in the correction leverage group versus 71% in the free-hand group (χ2=5.253, P < 0.05).
• The correction leverage technique offers faster locking, higher accuracy, and lower radiation exposure without requiring additional equipment, making it a promising alternative for distal locking screw placement.