Scaphoid fractures are common, but often challenging to treat. Clinic studies have demonstrated that both conservative treatment and internal fixation have successful long-term results with the latter providing earlier recovery of motion, decreased immobilization an dearly return to activity. Additionally, internal fixation is indicated as the preferred treatment for displaced or unstable scaphoid fractures, nonunions and late presenting fractures. Many surgeons have also advocated internal fixation for the treatment of acute nondisplaced fractures. Cancellous screw fixation of the scaphoid is one of the more popular and effective methods of treatment, as evidenced by the number of designs available to the orthopaedic surgeon. However, the clinical success of internal fixation is highly dependent upon the ability of the screw to obtain initial compression across the fracture site and its retention, under physiologic loading. This study compares the performance characteristics of seven, contemporary, scaphoid screw designs.
Scaphoid Fracture Repair: A Biomechanical Comparison of Contemporary Cancellous Bone Screws
Mar 7, 2004 | Upper Extremity