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Headless Compression Screw Fixation of Vertical Medial Malleolus Fractures is Superior to Unicortical Screw Fixation
Author(s)
Adam M.Wegner, MD, PhD
Philip R. Wolinsky, MD
Michael A. Robbins, BS
Tanya C. Garcia, MS
Sukanta Maitra, MD
Derek F. Amanatullah, MD, PhD

ABSTRACT

This study is the first biomechanical research of headless compression screws for fixation of vertical shear fractures of the medial malleolus, a promising alternative that potentially offers several advantages for fixation.

Vertical shear fractures were simulated by osteotomies in 20 synthetic distal tibiae. Models were randomly assigned to fixation with either 2 parallel cancellous screws or 2 parallel Acutrak 2 headless compression screws (Acumed). Specimens were subjected to offset axial loading to simulate supination-adduction loading and tracked using high-resolution video.

The headless compression screw construct was significantly stiffer (P < .0001) (360 ± 131 N/mm) than the partially threaded cancellous screws (180 ± 48 N/mm) and demonstrated a significantly increased (P < .0001) mean load to clinical failure (719 ± 91 N vs 343 ± 83 N). When specimens were displaced to 6 mm and allowed to relax, the headless compression screw constructs demonstrated an elastic recoil and were reduced to the pretesting fragment alignment, whereas the parallel cancellous screw constructs remained displaced.

Along with the headless design that may decrease soft tissue irritation, the increased stiffness and elastic recoil of the headless compression screw construct offers improved fixation of medial malleolus vertical shear fractures over the traditional methods.

Continue to: Headless compressions screws...

 

 

Headless compressions screws are cannulated tapered titanium screws with variable thread pitch angle, allowing a fully threaded screw to apply compression along its entire length. These screws have been most commonly used for scaphoid fractures1 but have also been studied in fractures of small bones, such as capitellum, midfoot, and talar neck,2-4 and arthrodesis in the foot, ankle, and hand.5-7 Headless compression screws have been found to produce equivalent fragment compression to partially threaded cancellous screws while allowing less fragment displacement.8,9 The lack of a head may decrease soft tissue irritation compared with the partially threaded cancellous screws. Finally, headless compression screws are independent of cortical integrity, as the entire length of the screw features a wide thread diameter to capture cancellous bone in the proximal fragment, unlike partially threaded cancellous screws, which only possess a thread purchase in the distal fragment and depend on an intact cortex.

Vertical shear fractures of the medial malleolus occur through the supination-adduction of the talus exerted onto the articular surface of the medial malleolus.10 Optimal fixation of these fractures must be sufficient to maintain stable anatomic reduction of the ankle joint articular surface, allowing early range of motion, maintaining congruency of the ankle joint, and decreasing the risk of future post-traumatic arthritis to maximize functional outcome.11

A wide variety of techniques are available for fixation of these fractures, including various configurations of cortical screws, cancellous screws, tension bands, and antiglide plates. Clinically, 2 parallel 4.0-mm partially threaded cancellous screws are most often used. Limited evidence indicates that headless compression screws may be a viable option for fixation of medial malleolus fractures. One case reports the use of a headless compression screw for a horizontal medial malleolar fracture,12 and a small retrospective case series that used headless compression screws for all medial malleolar fractures showed satisfactory outcomes, a high union rate, and low patient-reported pain.13

We evaluate the stiffness, force to 2-mm displacement of the joint surface, and elastic properties of these 2 different constructs in vertical medial malleolar fractures in synthetic distal tibiae. We hypothesize that the parallel headless compression screw fixation will be stiffer and require more force to 2-mm displacement than parallel unicortical cancellous screw fixation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Identical vertical osteotomies (17.5 mm) were made from the medial border of the medial malleolus using a custom jig in 20 left 4th-generation composite synthetic distal tibiae (Sawbones, Pacific Research Labs; Model No. 3401) to simulate an Orthopaedic Trauma Association type 44-A2.3 fracture. The tibiae were then cut 18 cm from the tibial plafond and randomized to 2 fixation groups (n = 10 specimens for each group): parallel unicortical screw fixation or parallel unicortical headless compression screw fixation (Figures 1A-1D). Custom polymethylmethacrylate jigs were used to reproducibly drill identical holes with a 3.2-mm drill for the parallel unicortical screw construct and the drill bits provided by the Acutrak 2 Headless Compression Screw System (Acumed). The parallel unicortical screw construct consisted of 2 parallel 4.0-mm-diameter, 40-mm partially threaded cancellous screws (Depuy Synthes), and the headless compression fixation construct consisted of 2 parallel 4.7-mm-diameter, 45-mm titanium Acutrak 2 screws parallel to each other in the transverse plane. The Acutrak screws were placed per manufacturer instructions by first drilling with the Acutrak 2-4.7 Long Drill bit (Acumed), followed by the Acutrak 2-4.7 Profile Drill bit for the near cortex.

Continue to: Specimens...

 

 

Specimens were fixed to the base of a servohydraulic testing machine (Model 809, MTS Systems Corporation) with an axial-torsional load transducer (Model No. 662.20-01; Axial capacity of 250 kg, torsional capacity 2.88 kg-m; MTS Systems Corporation). The specimens were set in a vice tilted at 17° in the coronal plane to allow the MTS crosshead to apply an offset axial load simulating supination-adduction loading, which has been described previously (Figure 2).14,15 Load was applied to the inferolateral articular surface of the medial malleolus at 1 mm/s to a crosshead displacement of 6 mm and then cycled back to 0 mm. Load and axial displacement were measured at 60 Hz. The markers on the distal tibia and medial malleolus fracture fragment were tracked using high-resolution video (Fastcam PCI, Photron USA Inc). The motion of the video markers was determined using digitization and motion analysis software (Motus 9, Vicon).

Stiffness was calculated as the slope of the linear portion of the load-displacement curve over a range of 0.5 to 2.0 mm (Figure 3) and reported as mean (standard deviation). The force at 2 mm of fragment displacement was defined as a clinical failure.16,17 Student’s t test was used to determine the difference in construct stiffness and force for 2 mm displacement of the 2 groups. Significance was defined as P < .05. Institutional Review Board approval was not required for this study.

RESULTS

With offset axial testing to simulate supination-adduction force along with video motion analysis, the mean stiffness (± standard deviation) measured 180 ± 48 N/mm for the parallel unicortical screw fixation construct and 360 ± 131 N/mm for the headless compression screw fixation construct (Figure 4A). The headless compression screw fixation construct was over 2 times stiffer than the parallel unicortical construct during initial displacement of the fracture, indicating a statistically significant difference (P < .0001).

The mean force for 2 mm of fracture displacement, defined as clinical failure, reached 342 ± 83 N for the parallel unicortical screw fixation construct and 719 ± 91 N for the headless compression screw fixation construct (Figure 4B). The headless compression screw fixation construct resisted displacement significantly more (P = .0001) than the parallel unicortical screw construct, presenting a 100% increase.

Upon cycling of the servohydraulic testing machine back to 0-mm displacement, the parallel unicortical construct demonstrated no elastic recoil, remaining displaced at 4 mm, whereas the headless compression screw construct rebounded to almost 0-mm displacement, which is well below the clinical definition of fixation failure of 2 mm (Figure 5).

Continue to: Discussion...

 

 

DISCUSSION

When subjected to offset axial load, we observed that the headless compression screw construct exhibited significantly increased stiffness and load to 2 mm of displacement compared with a parallel unicortical screw construct. The headless compression screw also demonstrated elastic recoil to almost 0 mm of displacement, which is well below the 2-mm displacement. 

We made reproducible fractures and fixation methods in synthetic distal tibiae, which feature less variability in size and quality than the cadaveric bone. Offset axial loading, rather than direct axial loading previously described by Amanatullah and colleagues,18 is the most physiologically relevant mode of force application to simulate the loading of the tauls onto the medial malleolus in the supination-adduction mechanism of injury.

The limitations of this study include the use of synthetic rather than cadaveric bone. Fourth-generation sawbones have been validated as possessing similar biomechanical properties as real bone.7,19 These results may also be inapplicable to osteoporotic bone, which would be significantly less dense than sawbones. This study is also an artificial situation designed to only test construct stiffness and load to clinical failure in a single mode of stress, offset axial loading and neglects other possible modes of force. This testing setup also disregards the structures surrounding the medial malleolus and tibia, including the talus, fibula, or soft tissue attachments, including the deltoid ligament and flexor retinaculum. These results are only relevant immediately after fixation and before bone healing occurs. We also tested the load to clinical failure rather than cyclic loading. Our testing more closely modeled a single traumatic force rather than the considerably smaller stresses that would be repeatedly exerted on the construct over several weeks after fixation in a clinical situation. This research is also not a clinical outcome study, rather, it suggests that headless compression screws are a viable, stronger, and possibly superior method for the initial fixation of vertical medial malleolar fractures.

As the load is offset axial, the larger thread purchase of the headless compression screws may lead to increased pullout strength, possibly increasing headless compression screw construct stiffness. Also, the variable diameter of headless compression screw, which reaches up to 4.7 mm, would increase the stiffness of the construct compared with the diameter of the cancellous screws. The elasticity of the headless compression construct may be because screws are made of titanium rather than stainless steel. Such property and given that the screws are cannulated rather than solid may also play a role, although several studies have shown variable results for cannulated vs solid screws of the same diameter.20,21 The elastic section modulus of both screws would have to be calculated to determine their exact effect on fixation.

CONCLUSION

The headless compression screw construct was found to be stiffer and features a higher load to clinical failure than a parallel unicortical cancellous screw construct for fixation of vertical medial malleolus fractures. Although significantly increased cost occurs with this construct, the headless design may decrease soft tissue irritation, and the elastic recoil of the construct after displacement may decrease clinical failure rates of this fixation method. This condition would eliminate the need for revision surgeries and thus be a cost effective alternative overall.

This paper will be judged for the Resident Writer’s Award.

References
  1. Fowler JR, Ilyas AM. Headless compression screw fixation of scaphoid fractures. Hand Clin. 2010;26(3):351-361, vi. doi:10.1016/j.hcl.2010.04.005.
  2. Karakasli A, Hapa O, Erduran M, Dincer C, Cecen B, Havitcioglu H. Mechanical comparison of headless screw fixation and locking plate fixation for talar neck fractures. J Foot Ankle Surg. 2015;54(5):905-909. doi:10.1053/j.jfas.2015.04.002.
  3. Elkowitz SJ, Polatsch DB, Egol KA, Kummer FJ, Koval KJ. Capitellum fractures: a biomechanical evaluation of three fixation methods. J Orthop Trauma. 2002;16(7):503-506. doi:10.1097/00005131-200208000-00009.
  4. Zhang H, Min L, Wang GL, et al. Primary open reduction and internal fixation with headless compression screws in the treatment of Chinese patients with acute Lisfranc joint injuries. J Trauma Acute Care Surg. 2012;72(5):1380-1385. doi:10.1097/TA.0b013e318246eabc.
  5. Lucas KJ, Morris RP, Buford WL Jr, Panchbhavi VK. Biomechanical comparison of first metatarsophalangeal joint arthrodeses using triple-threaded headless screws versus partially threaded lag screws. Foot Ankle Surg. 2014;20(2):144-148. doi:10.1016/j.fas.2014.02.009.
  6. Iwamoto T, Matsumura N, Sato K, Momohara S, Toyama Y, Nakamura T. An obliquely placed headless compression screw for distal interphalangeal joint arthrodesis. J Hand Surg. 2013;38(12):2360-2364. doi:10.1016/j.jhsa.2013.09.026.
  7. Odutola AA, Sheridan BD, Kelly AJ. Headless compression screw fixation prevents symptomatic metalwork in arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis. Foot Ankle Surg. 2012;18(2):111-113. doi:10.1016/j.fas.2011.03.013.
  8. Capelle JH, Couch CG, Wells KM, et al. Fixation strength of anteriorly inserted headless screws for talar neck fractures. Foot Ankle Int. 2013;34(7):1012-1016. doi:10.1177/1071100713479586.
  9. Wheeler DL, McLoughlin SW. Biomechanical assessment of compression screws. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1998;350(350):237-245. doi:10.1097/00003086-199805000-00032.
  10. Rockwood CA, Green DP, Bucholz RW. Rockwood and Green's Fractures in Adults. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2010.
  11. Simanski CJ, Maegele MG, Lefering R, et al. Functional treatment and early weightbearing after an ankle fracture: a prospective study. J Orthop Trauma. 2006;20(2):108-114. doi:10.1097/01.bot.0000197701.96954.8c.
  12. Reimer H, Kreibich M, Oettinger W. Extended uses for the Herbert/Whipple screw: six case reports out of 35 illustrating technique. J Orthop Trauma. 1996;10(1):7-14. doi:10.1097/00005131-199601000-00002.
  13. Barnes H, Cannada LK, Watson JT. A clinical evaluation of alternative fixation techniques for medial malleolus fractures. Injury. 2014;45(9):1365-1367. doi:10.1016/j.injury.2014.05.031.
  14. Dumigan RM, Bronson DG, Early JS. Analysis of fixation methods for vertical shear fractures of the medial malleolus. J Orthop Trauma. 2006;20(10):687-691. doi:10.1097/01.bot.0000247075.17548.3a.
  15. Toolan BC, Koval KJ, Kummer FJ, Sanders R, Zuckerman JD. Vertical shear fractures of the medial malleolus: a biomechanical study of five internal fixation techniques. Foot Ankle Int. 1994;15(9):483-489. doi:10.1177/107110079401500905.
  16. Ramsey PL, Hamilton W. Changes in tibiotalar area of contact caused by lateral talar shift. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1976;58(3):356-357. doi:10.2106/00004623-197658030-00010.
  17. Thordarson DB, Motamed S, Hedman T, Ebramzadeh E, Bakshian S. The effect of fibular malreduction on contact pressures in an ankle fracture malunion model. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1997;79(12):1809-1815. doi:10.2106/00004623-199712000-00006.
  18. Amanatullah DF, Khan SN, Curtiss S, Wolinsky PR. Effect of divergent screw fixation in vertical medial malleolus fractures. J Trauma Acute Care Surg. 2012;72(3):751-754. doi:10.1097/TA.0b013e31823b8b9f.
  19. Heiner AD. Structural properties of fourth-generation composite femurs and tibias. J Biomech. 2008;41(15):3282-3284. doi:10.1016/j.jbiomech.2008.08.013.
  20. Brown GA, McCarthy T, Bourgeault CA, Callahan DJ. Mechanical performance of standard and cannulated 4.0-mm cancellous bone screws. J Orthop Res. 2000;18(2):307-312. doi:10.1002/jor.1100180220.
  21. Merk BR, Stern SH, Cordes S, Lautenschlager EP. A fatigue life analysis of small fragment screws. J Orthop Trauma. 2001;15(7):494-499. doi:10.1097/00005131-200109000-00006.
Article PDF
ajo_-_headless_compression_screw_fixation_of_vertical_medial_malleolus_fractures_is_superior_to_unicortical_screw_fixation_-_2019-03-26.pdf
Author and Disclosure Information

The authors report no actual or potential conflict of interest in relation to this article.

Acknowledgments: The authors would like to thank AO North America for the North American Resident Research award that helped to fund the synthetic sawbones required for this project. The authors would also like to thank DePuy Synthes and Acumed for supplying hardware for the internal fixation constructs.

Dr. Wegner and Dr. Maitra are Orthopaedic Surgery Residents, Dr. Wolinsky is a Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, and Mr. Robbins is a Medical Student, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, California. Ms. Garcia is a Lab Manager, JD Wheat Veterinary Orthopedic Research Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, California. Dr. Amanatullah is an Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Stanford University, Redwood City, California.

Address correspondence to: Derek F. Amanatullah, MD, PhD, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Stanford Hospital and Clinics, 450 Broadway Street, Redwood City, CA 94063-6342 (tel, 650-723-2257; email, dfa@stanford.edu).

Adam M.Wegner, MD, PhD Philip R. Wolinsky, MD Michael A. Robbins, BS Tanya C. Garcia, MS Sukanta Maitra, MD Derek F. Amanatullah, MD, PhD . Headless Compression Screw Fixation of Vertical Medial Malleolus Fractures is Superior to Unicortical Screw Fixation. Am J Orthop. August 29, 2018

Publications
MDedge Surgery
The American Journal of Orthopedics
Topics
Foot & Ankle
Orthopedics
Trauma
Sections
Original Research
Author(s)
Adam M.Wegner, MD, PhD
Philip R. Wolinsky, MD
Michael A. Robbins, BS
Tanya C. Garcia, MS
Sukanta Maitra, MD
Derek F. Amanatullah, MD, PhD
Author(s)
Adam M.Wegner, MD, PhD
Philip R. Wolinsky, MD
Michael A. Robbins, BS
Tanya C. Garcia, MS
Sukanta Maitra, MD
Derek F. Amanatullah, MD, PhD
Author and Disclosure Information

The authors report no actual or potential conflict of interest in relation to this article.

Acknowledgments: The authors would like to thank AO North America for the North American Resident Research award that helped to fund the synthetic sawbones required for this project. The authors would also like to thank DePuy Synthes and Acumed for supplying hardware for the internal fixation constructs.

Dr. Wegner and Dr. Maitra are Orthopaedic Surgery Residents, Dr. Wolinsky is a Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, and Mr. Robbins is a Medical Student, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, California. Ms. Garcia is a Lab Manager, JD Wheat Veterinary Orthopedic Research Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, California. Dr. Amanatullah is an Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Stanford University, Redwood City, California.

Address correspondence to: Derek F. Amanatullah, MD, PhD, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Stanford Hospital and Clinics, 450 Broadway Street, Redwood City, CA 94063-6342 (tel, 650-723-2257; email, dfa@stanford.edu).

Adam M.Wegner, MD, PhD Philip R. Wolinsky, MD Michael A. Robbins, BS Tanya C. Garcia, MS Sukanta Maitra, MD Derek F. Amanatullah, MD, PhD . Headless Compression Screw Fixation of Vertical Medial Malleolus Fractures is Superior to Unicortical Screw Fixation. Am J Orthop. August 29, 2018

Author and Disclosure Information

The authors report no actual or potential conflict of interest in relation to this article.

Acknowledgments: The authors would like to thank AO North America for the North American Resident Research award that helped to fund the synthetic sawbones required for this project. The authors would also like to thank DePuy Synthes and Acumed for supplying hardware for the internal fixation constructs.

Dr. Wegner and Dr. Maitra are Orthopaedic Surgery Residents, Dr. Wolinsky is a Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, and Mr. Robbins is a Medical Student, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, California. Ms. Garcia is a Lab Manager, JD Wheat Veterinary Orthopedic Research Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, California. Dr. Amanatullah is an Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Stanford University, Redwood City, California.

Address correspondence to: Derek F. Amanatullah, MD, PhD, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Stanford Hospital and Clinics, 450 Broadway Street, Redwood City, CA 94063-6342 (tel, 650-723-2257; email, dfa@stanford.edu).

Adam M.Wegner, MD, PhD Philip R. Wolinsky, MD Michael A. Robbins, BS Tanya C. Garcia, MS Sukanta Maitra, MD Derek F. Amanatullah, MD, PhD . Headless Compression Screw Fixation of Vertical Medial Malleolus Fractures is Superior to Unicortical Screw Fixation. Am J Orthop. August 29, 2018

Article PDF
ajo_-_headless_compression_screw_fixation_of_vertical_medial_malleolus_fractures_is_superior_to_unicortical_screw_fixation_-_2019-03-26.pdf
Article PDF
ajo_-_headless_compression_screw_fixation_of_vertical_medial_malleolus_fractures_is_superior_to_unicortical_screw_fixation_-_2019-03-26.pdf

ABSTRACT

This study is the first biomechanical research of headless compression screws for fixation of vertical shear fractures of the medial malleolus, a promising alternative that potentially offers several advantages for fixation.

Vertical shear fractures were simulated by osteotomies in 20 synthetic distal tibiae. Models were randomly assigned to fixation with either 2 parallel cancellous screws or 2 parallel Acutrak 2 headless compression screws (Acumed). Specimens were subjected to offset axial loading to simulate supination-adduction loading and tracked using high-resolution video.

The headless compression screw construct was significantly stiffer (P < .0001) (360 ± 131 N/mm) than the partially threaded cancellous screws (180 ± 48 N/mm) and demonstrated a significantly increased (P < .0001) mean load to clinical failure (719 ± 91 N vs 343 ± 83 N). When specimens were displaced to 6 mm and allowed to relax, the headless compression screw constructs demonstrated an elastic recoil and were reduced to the pretesting fragment alignment, whereas the parallel cancellous screw constructs remained displaced.

Along with the headless design that may decrease soft tissue irritation, the increased stiffness and elastic recoil of the headless compression screw construct offers improved fixation of medial malleolus vertical shear fractures over the traditional methods.

Continue to: Headless compressions screws...

 

 

Headless compressions screws are cannulated tapered titanium screws with variable thread pitch angle, allowing a fully threaded screw to apply compression along its entire length. These screws have been most commonly used for scaphoid fractures1 but have also been studied in fractures of small bones, such as capitellum, midfoot, and talar neck,2-4 and arthrodesis in the foot, ankle, and hand.5-7 Headless compression screws have been found to produce equivalent fragment compression to partially threaded cancellous screws while allowing less fragment displacement.8,9 The lack of a head may decrease soft tissue irritation compared with the partially threaded cancellous screws. Finally, headless compression screws are independent of cortical integrity, as the entire length of the screw features a wide thread diameter to capture cancellous bone in the proximal fragment, unlike partially threaded cancellous screws, which only possess a thread purchase in the distal fragment and depend on an intact cortex.

Vertical shear fractures of the medial malleolus occur through the supination-adduction of the talus exerted onto the articular surface of the medial malleolus.10 Optimal fixation of these fractures must be sufficient to maintain stable anatomic reduction of the ankle joint articular surface, allowing early range of motion, maintaining congruency of the ankle joint, and decreasing the risk of future post-traumatic arthritis to maximize functional outcome.11

A wide variety of techniques are available for fixation of these fractures, including various configurations of cortical screws, cancellous screws, tension bands, and antiglide plates. Clinically, 2 parallel 4.0-mm partially threaded cancellous screws are most often used. Limited evidence indicates that headless compression screws may be a viable option for fixation of medial malleolus fractures. One case reports the use of a headless compression screw for a horizontal medial malleolar fracture,12 and a small retrospective case series that used headless compression screws for all medial malleolar fractures showed satisfactory outcomes, a high union rate, and low patient-reported pain.13

We evaluate the stiffness, force to 2-mm displacement of the joint surface, and elastic properties of these 2 different constructs in vertical medial malleolar fractures in synthetic distal tibiae. We hypothesize that the parallel headless compression screw fixation will be stiffer and require more force to 2-mm displacement than parallel unicortical cancellous screw fixation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Identical vertical osteotomies (17.5 mm) were made from the medial border of the medial malleolus using a custom jig in 20 left 4th-generation composite synthetic distal tibiae (Sawbones, Pacific Research Labs; Model No. 3401) to simulate an Orthopaedic Trauma Association type 44-A2.3 fracture. The tibiae were then cut 18 cm from the tibial plafond and randomized to 2 fixation groups (n = 10 specimens for each group): parallel unicortical screw fixation or parallel unicortical headless compression screw fixation (Figures 1A-1D). Custom polymethylmethacrylate jigs were used to reproducibly drill identical holes with a 3.2-mm drill for the parallel unicortical screw construct and the drill bits provided by the Acutrak 2 Headless Compression Screw System (Acumed). The parallel unicortical screw construct consisted of 2 parallel 4.0-mm-diameter, 40-mm partially threaded cancellous screws (Depuy Synthes), and the headless compression fixation construct consisted of 2 parallel 4.7-mm-diameter, 45-mm titanium Acutrak 2 screws parallel to each other in the transverse plane. The Acutrak screws were placed per manufacturer instructions by first drilling with the Acutrak 2-4.7 Long Drill bit (Acumed), followed by the Acutrak 2-4.7 Profile Drill bit for the near cortex.

Continue to: Specimens...

 

 

Specimens were fixed to the base of a servohydraulic testing machine (Model 809, MTS Systems Corporation) with an axial-torsional load transducer (Model No. 662.20-01; Axial capacity of 250 kg, torsional capacity 2.88 kg-m; MTS Systems Corporation). The specimens were set in a vice tilted at 17° in the coronal plane to allow the MTS crosshead to apply an offset axial load simulating supination-adduction loading, which has been described previously (Figure 2).14,15 Load was applied to the inferolateral articular surface of the medial malleolus at 1 mm/s to a crosshead displacement of 6 mm and then cycled back to 0 mm. Load and axial displacement were measured at 60 Hz. The markers on the distal tibia and medial malleolus fracture fragment were tracked using high-resolution video (Fastcam PCI, Photron USA Inc). The motion of the video markers was determined using digitization and motion analysis software (Motus 9, Vicon).

Stiffness was calculated as the slope of the linear portion of the load-displacement curve over a range of 0.5 to 2.0 mm (Figure 3) and reported as mean (standard deviation). The force at 2 mm of fragment displacement was defined as a clinical failure.16,17 Student’s t test was used to determine the difference in construct stiffness and force for 2 mm displacement of the 2 groups. Significance was defined as P < .05. Institutional Review Board approval was not required for this study.

RESULTS

With offset axial testing to simulate supination-adduction force along with video motion analysis, the mean stiffness (± standard deviation) measured 180 ± 48 N/mm for the parallel unicortical screw fixation construct and 360 ± 131 N/mm for the headless compression screw fixation construct (Figure 4A). The headless compression screw fixation construct was over 2 times stiffer than the parallel unicortical construct during initial displacement of the fracture, indicating a statistically significant difference (P < .0001).

The mean force for 2 mm of fracture displacement, defined as clinical failure, reached 342 ± 83 N for the parallel unicortical screw fixation construct and 719 ± 91 N for the headless compression screw fixation construct (Figure 4B). The headless compression screw fixation construct resisted displacement significantly more (P = .0001) than the parallel unicortical screw construct, presenting a 100% increase.

Upon cycling of the servohydraulic testing machine back to 0-mm displacement, the parallel unicortical construct demonstrated no elastic recoil, remaining displaced at 4 mm, whereas the headless compression screw construct rebounded to almost 0-mm displacement, which is well below the clinical definition of fixation failure of 2 mm (Figure 5).

Continue to: Discussion...

 

 

DISCUSSION

When subjected to offset axial load, we observed that the headless compression screw construct exhibited significantly increased stiffness and load to 2 mm of displacement compared with a parallel unicortical screw construct. The headless compression screw also demonstrated elastic recoil to almost 0 mm of displacement, which is well below the 2-mm displacement. 

We made reproducible fractures and fixation methods in synthetic distal tibiae, which feature less variability in size and quality than the cadaveric bone. Offset axial loading, rather than direct axial loading previously described by Amanatullah and colleagues,18 is the most physiologically relevant mode of force application to simulate the loading of the tauls onto the medial malleolus in the supination-adduction mechanism of injury.

The limitations of this study include the use of synthetic rather than cadaveric bone. Fourth-generation sawbones have been validated as possessing similar biomechanical properties as real bone.7,19 These results may also be inapplicable to osteoporotic bone, which would be significantly less dense than sawbones. This study is also an artificial situation designed to only test construct stiffness and load to clinical failure in a single mode of stress, offset axial loading and neglects other possible modes of force. This testing setup also disregards the structures surrounding the medial malleolus and tibia, including the talus, fibula, or soft tissue attachments, including the deltoid ligament and flexor retinaculum. These results are only relevant immediately after fixation and before bone healing occurs. We also tested the load to clinical failure rather than cyclic loading. Our testing more closely modeled a single traumatic force rather than the considerably smaller stresses that would be repeatedly exerted on the construct over several weeks after fixation in a clinical situation. This research is also not a clinical outcome study, rather, it suggests that headless compression screws are a viable, stronger, and possibly superior method for the initial fixation of vertical medial malleolar fractures.

As the load is offset axial, the larger thread purchase of the headless compression screws may lead to increased pullout strength, possibly increasing headless compression screw construct stiffness. Also, the variable diameter of headless compression screw, which reaches up to 4.7 mm, would increase the stiffness of the construct compared with the diameter of the cancellous screws. The elasticity of the headless compression construct may be because screws are made of titanium rather than stainless steel. Such property and given that the screws are cannulated rather than solid may also play a role, although several studies have shown variable results for cannulated vs solid screws of the same diameter.20,21 The elastic section modulus of both screws would have to be calculated to determine their exact effect on fixation.

CONCLUSION

The headless compression screw construct was found to be stiffer and features a higher load to clinical failure than a parallel unicortical cancellous screw construct for fixation of vertical medial malleolus fractures. Although significantly increased cost occurs with this construct, the headless design may decrease soft tissue irritation, and the elastic recoil of the construct after displacement may decrease clinical failure rates of this fixation method. This condition would eliminate the need for revision surgeries and thus be a cost effective alternative overall.

This paper will be judged for the Resident Writer’s Award.

ABSTRACT

This study is the first biomechanical research of headless compression screws for fixation of vertical shear fractures of the medial malleolus, a promising alternative that potentially offers several advantages for fixation.

Vertical shear fractures were simulated by osteotomies in 20 synthetic distal tibiae. Models were randomly assigned to fixation with either 2 parallel cancellous screws or 2 parallel Acutrak 2 headless compression screws (Acumed). Specimens were subjected to offset axial loading to simulate supination-adduction loading and tracked using high-resolution video.

The headless compression screw construct was significantly stiffer (P < .0001) (360 ± 131 N/mm) than the partially threaded cancellous screws (180 ± 48 N/mm) and demonstrated a significantly increased (P < .0001) mean load to clinical failure (719 ± 91 N vs 343 ± 83 N). When specimens were displaced to 6 mm and allowed to relax, the headless compression screw constructs demonstrated an elastic recoil and were reduced to the pretesting fragment alignment, whereas the parallel cancellous screw constructs remained displaced.

Along with the headless design that may decrease soft tissue irritation, the increased stiffness and elastic recoil of the headless compression screw construct offers improved fixation of medial malleolus vertical shear fractures over the traditional methods.

Continue to: Headless compressions screws...

 

 

Headless compressions screws are cannulated tapered titanium screws with variable thread pitch angle, allowing a fully threaded screw to apply compression along its entire length. These screws have been most commonly used for scaphoid fractures1 but have also been studied in fractures of small bones, such as capitellum, midfoot, and talar neck,2-4 and arthrodesis in the foot, ankle, and hand.5-7 Headless compression screws have been found to produce equivalent fragment compression to partially threaded cancellous screws while allowing less fragment displacement.8,9 The lack of a head may decrease soft tissue irritation compared with the partially threaded cancellous screws. Finally, headless compression screws are independent of cortical integrity, as the entire length of the screw features a wide thread diameter to capture cancellous bone in the proximal fragment, unlike partially threaded cancellous screws, which only possess a thread purchase in the distal fragment and depend on an intact cortex.

Vertical shear fractures of the medial malleolus occur through the supination-adduction of the talus exerted onto the articular surface of the medial malleolus.10 Optimal fixation of these fractures must be sufficient to maintain stable anatomic reduction of the ankle joint articular surface, allowing early range of motion, maintaining congruency of the ankle joint, and decreasing the risk of future post-traumatic arthritis to maximize functional outcome.11

A wide variety of techniques are available for fixation of these fractures, including various configurations of cortical screws, cancellous screws, tension bands, and antiglide plates. Clinically, 2 parallel 4.0-mm partially threaded cancellous screws are most often used. Limited evidence indicates that headless compression screws may be a viable option for fixation of medial malleolus fractures. One case reports the use of a headless compression screw for a horizontal medial malleolar fracture,12 and a small retrospective case series that used headless compression screws for all medial malleolar fractures showed satisfactory outcomes, a high union rate, and low patient-reported pain.13

We evaluate the stiffness, force to 2-mm displacement of the joint surface, and elastic properties of these 2 different constructs in vertical medial malleolar fractures in synthetic distal tibiae. We hypothesize that the parallel headless compression screw fixation will be stiffer and require more force to 2-mm displacement than parallel unicortical cancellous screw fixation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Identical vertical osteotomies (17.5 mm) were made from the medial border of the medial malleolus using a custom jig in 20 left 4th-generation composite synthetic distal tibiae (Sawbones, Pacific Research Labs; Model No. 3401) to simulate an Orthopaedic Trauma Association type 44-A2.3 fracture. The tibiae were then cut 18 cm from the tibial plafond and randomized to 2 fixation groups (n = 10 specimens for each group): parallel unicortical screw fixation or parallel unicortical headless compression screw fixation (Figures 1A-1D). Custom polymethylmethacrylate jigs were used to reproducibly drill identical holes with a 3.2-mm drill for the parallel unicortical screw construct and the drill bits provided by the Acutrak 2 Headless Compression Screw System (Acumed). The parallel unicortical screw construct consisted of 2 parallel 4.0-mm-diameter, 40-mm partially threaded cancellous screws (Depuy Synthes), and the headless compression fixation construct consisted of 2 parallel 4.7-mm-diameter, 45-mm titanium Acutrak 2 screws parallel to each other in the transverse plane. The Acutrak screws were placed per manufacturer instructions by first drilling with the Acutrak 2-4.7 Long Drill bit (Acumed), followed by the Acutrak 2-4.7 Profile Drill bit for the near cortex.

Continue to: Specimens...

 

 

Specimens were fixed to the base of a servohydraulic testing machine (Model 809, MTS Systems Corporation) with an axial-torsional load transducer (Model No. 662.20-01; Axial capacity of 250 kg, torsional capacity 2.88 kg-m; MTS Systems Corporation). The specimens were set in a vice tilted at 17° in the coronal plane to allow the MTS crosshead to apply an offset axial load simulating supination-adduction loading, which has been described previously (Figure 2).14,15 Load was applied to the inferolateral articular surface of the medial malleolus at 1 mm/s to a crosshead displacement of 6 mm and then cycled back to 0 mm. Load and axial displacement were measured at 60 Hz. The markers on the distal tibia and medial malleolus fracture fragment were tracked using high-resolution video (Fastcam PCI, Photron USA Inc). The motion of the video markers was determined using digitization and motion analysis software (Motus 9, Vicon).

Stiffness was calculated as the slope of the linear portion of the load-displacement curve over a range of 0.5 to 2.0 mm (Figure 3) and reported as mean (standard deviation). The force at 2 mm of fragment displacement was defined as a clinical failure.16,17 Student’s t test was used to determine the difference in construct stiffness and force for 2 mm displacement of the 2 groups. Significance was defined as P < .05. Institutional Review Board approval was not required for this study.

RESULTS

With offset axial testing to simulate supination-adduction force along with video motion analysis, the mean stiffness (± standard deviation) measured 180 ± 48 N/mm for the parallel unicortical screw fixation construct and 360 ± 131 N/mm for the headless compression screw fixation construct (Figure 4A). The headless compression screw fixation construct was over 2 times stiffer than the parallel unicortical construct during initial displacement of the fracture, indicating a statistically significant difference (P < .0001).

The mean force for 2 mm of fracture displacement, defined as clinical failure, reached 342 ± 83 N for the parallel unicortical screw fixation construct and 719 ± 91 N for the headless compression screw fixation construct (Figure 4B). The headless compression screw fixation construct resisted displacement significantly more (P = .0001) than the parallel unicortical screw construct, presenting a 100% increase.

Upon cycling of the servohydraulic testing machine back to 0-mm displacement, the parallel unicortical construct demonstrated no elastic recoil, remaining displaced at 4 mm, whereas the headless compression screw construct rebounded to almost 0-mm displacement, which is well below the clinical definition of fixation failure of 2 mm (Figure 5).

Continue to: Discussion...

 

 

DISCUSSION

When subjected to offset axial load, we observed that the headless compression screw construct exhibited significantly increased stiffness and load to 2 mm of displacement compared with a parallel unicortical screw construct. The headless compression screw also demonstrated elastic recoil to almost 0 mm of displacement, which is well below the 2-mm displacement. 

We made reproducible fractures and fixation methods in synthetic distal tibiae, which feature less variability in size and quality than the cadaveric bone. Offset axial loading, rather than direct axial loading previously described by Amanatullah and colleagues,18 is the most physiologically relevant mode of force application to simulate the loading of the tauls onto the medial malleolus in the supination-adduction mechanism of injury.

The limitations of this study include the use of synthetic rather than cadaveric bone. Fourth-generation sawbones have been validated as possessing similar biomechanical properties as real bone.7,19 These results may also be inapplicable to osteoporotic bone, which would be significantly less dense than sawbones. This study is also an artificial situation designed to only test construct stiffness and load to clinical failure in a single mode of stress, offset axial loading and neglects other possible modes of force. This testing setup also disregards the structures surrounding the medial malleolus and tibia, including the talus, fibula, or soft tissue attachments, including the deltoid ligament and flexor retinaculum. These results are only relevant immediately after fixation and before bone healing occurs. We also tested the load to clinical failure rather than cyclic loading. Our testing more closely modeled a single traumatic force rather than the considerably smaller stresses that would be repeatedly exerted on the construct over several weeks after fixation in a clinical situation. This research is also not a clinical outcome study, rather, it suggests that headless compression screws are a viable, stronger, and possibly superior method for the initial fixation of vertical medial malleolar fractures.

As the load is offset axial, the larger thread purchase of the headless compression screws may lead to increased pullout strength, possibly increasing headless compression screw construct stiffness. Also, the variable diameter of headless compression screw, which reaches up to 4.7 mm, would increase the stiffness of the construct compared with the diameter of the cancellous screws. The elasticity of the headless compression construct may be because screws are made of titanium rather than stainless steel. Such property and given that the screws are cannulated rather than solid may also play a role, although several studies have shown variable results for cannulated vs solid screws of the same diameter.20,21 The elastic section modulus of both screws would have to be calculated to determine their exact effect on fixation.

CONCLUSION

The headless compression screw construct was found to be stiffer and features a higher load to clinical failure than a parallel unicortical cancellous screw construct for fixation of vertical medial malleolus fractures. Although significantly increased cost occurs with this construct, the headless design may decrease soft tissue irritation, and the elastic recoil of the construct after displacement may decrease clinical failure rates of this fixation method. This condition would eliminate the need for revision surgeries and thus be a cost effective alternative overall.

This paper will be judged for the Resident Writer’s Award.

References
  1. Fowler JR, Ilyas AM. Headless compression screw fixation of scaphoid fractures. Hand Clin. 2010;26(3):351-361, vi. doi:10.1016/j.hcl.2010.04.005.
  2. Karakasli A, Hapa O, Erduran M, Dincer C, Cecen B, Havitcioglu H. Mechanical comparison of headless screw fixation and locking plate fixation for talar neck fractures. J Foot Ankle Surg. 2015;54(5):905-909. doi:10.1053/j.jfas.2015.04.002.
  3. Elkowitz SJ, Polatsch DB, Egol KA, Kummer FJ, Koval KJ. Capitellum fractures: a biomechanical evaluation of three fixation methods. J Orthop Trauma. 2002;16(7):503-506. doi:10.1097/00005131-200208000-00009.
  4. Zhang H, Min L, Wang GL, et al. Primary open reduction and internal fixation with headless compression screws in the treatment of Chinese patients with acute Lisfranc joint injuries. J Trauma Acute Care Surg. 2012;72(5):1380-1385. doi:10.1097/TA.0b013e318246eabc.
  5. Lucas KJ, Morris RP, Buford WL Jr, Panchbhavi VK. Biomechanical comparison of first metatarsophalangeal joint arthrodeses using triple-threaded headless screws versus partially threaded lag screws. Foot Ankle Surg. 2014;20(2):144-148. doi:10.1016/j.fas.2014.02.009.
  6. Iwamoto T, Matsumura N, Sato K, Momohara S, Toyama Y, Nakamura T. An obliquely placed headless compression screw for distal interphalangeal joint arthrodesis. J Hand Surg. 2013;38(12):2360-2364. doi:10.1016/j.jhsa.2013.09.026.
  7. Odutola AA, Sheridan BD, Kelly AJ. Headless compression screw fixation prevents symptomatic metalwork in arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis. Foot Ankle Surg. 2012;18(2):111-113. doi:10.1016/j.fas.2011.03.013.
  8. Capelle JH, Couch CG, Wells KM, et al. Fixation strength of anteriorly inserted headless screws for talar neck fractures. Foot Ankle Int. 2013;34(7):1012-1016. doi:10.1177/1071100713479586.
  9. Wheeler DL, McLoughlin SW. Biomechanical assessment of compression screws. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1998;350(350):237-245. doi:10.1097/00003086-199805000-00032.
  10. Rockwood CA, Green DP, Bucholz RW. Rockwood and Green's Fractures in Adults. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2010.
  11. Simanski CJ, Maegele MG, Lefering R, et al. Functional treatment and early weightbearing after an ankle fracture: a prospective study. J Orthop Trauma. 2006;20(2):108-114. doi:10.1097/01.bot.0000197701.96954.8c.
  12. Reimer H, Kreibich M, Oettinger W. Extended uses for the Herbert/Whipple screw: six case reports out of 35 illustrating technique. J Orthop Trauma. 1996;10(1):7-14. doi:10.1097/00005131-199601000-00002.
  13. Barnes H, Cannada LK, Watson JT. A clinical evaluation of alternative fixation techniques for medial malleolus fractures. Injury. 2014;45(9):1365-1367. doi:10.1016/j.injury.2014.05.031.
  14. Dumigan RM, Bronson DG, Early JS. Analysis of fixation methods for vertical shear fractures of the medial malleolus. J Orthop Trauma. 2006;20(10):687-691. doi:10.1097/01.bot.0000247075.17548.3a.
  15. Toolan BC, Koval KJ, Kummer FJ, Sanders R, Zuckerman JD. Vertical shear fractures of the medial malleolus: a biomechanical study of five internal fixation techniques. Foot Ankle Int. 1994;15(9):483-489. doi:10.1177/107110079401500905.
  16. Ramsey PL, Hamilton W. Changes in tibiotalar area of contact caused by lateral talar shift. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1976;58(3):356-357. doi:10.2106/00004623-197658030-00010.
  17. Thordarson DB, Motamed S, Hedman T, Ebramzadeh E, Bakshian S. The effect of fibular malreduction on contact pressures in an ankle fracture malunion model. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1997;79(12):1809-1815. doi:10.2106/00004623-199712000-00006.
  18. Amanatullah DF, Khan SN, Curtiss S, Wolinsky PR. Effect of divergent screw fixation in vertical medial malleolus fractures. J Trauma Acute Care Surg. 2012;72(3):751-754. doi:10.1097/TA.0b013e31823b8b9f.
  19. Heiner AD. Structural properties of fourth-generation composite femurs and tibias. J Biomech. 2008;41(15):3282-3284. doi:10.1016/j.jbiomech.2008.08.013.
  20. Brown GA, McCarthy T, Bourgeault CA, Callahan DJ. Mechanical performance of standard and cannulated 4.0-mm cancellous bone screws. J Orthop Res. 2000;18(2):307-312. doi:10.1002/jor.1100180220.
  21. Merk BR, Stern SH, Cordes S, Lautenschlager EP. A fatigue life analysis of small fragment screws. J Orthop Trauma. 2001;15(7):494-499. doi:10.1097/00005131-200109000-00006.
References
  1. Fowler JR, Ilyas AM. Headless compression screw fixation of scaphoid fractures. Hand Clin. 2010;26(3):351-361, vi. doi:10.1016/j.hcl.2010.04.005.
  2. Karakasli A, Hapa O, Erduran M, Dincer C, Cecen B, Havitcioglu H. Mechanical comparison of headless screw fixation and locking plate fixation for talar neck fractures. J Foot Ankle Surg. 2015;54(5):905-909. doi:10.1053/j.jfas.2015.04.002.
  3. Elkowitz SJ, Polatsch DB, Egol KA, Kummer FJ, Koval KJ. Capitellum fractures: a biomechanical evaluation of three fixation methods. J Orthop Trauma. 2002;16(7):503-506. doi:10.1097/00005131-200208000-00009.
  4. Zhang H, Min L, Wang GL, et al. Primary open reduction and internal fixation with headless compression screws in the treatment of Chinese patients with acute Lisfranc joint injuries. J Trauma Acute Care Surg. 2012;72(5):1380-1385. doi:10.1097/TA.0b013e318246eabc.
  5. Lucas KJ, Morris RP, Buford WL Jr, Panchbhavi VK. Biomechanical comparison of first metatarsophalangeal joint arthrodeses using triple-threaded headless screws versus partially threaded lag screws. Foot Ankle Surg. 2014;20(2):144-148. doi:10.1016/j.fas.2014.02.009.
  6. Iwamoto T, Matsumura N, Sato K, Momohara S, Toyama Y, Nakamura T. An obliquely placed headless compression screw for distal interphalangeal joint arthrodesis. J Hand Surg. 2013;38(12):2360-2364. doi:10.1016/j.jhsa.2013.09.026.
  7. Odutola AA, Sheridan BD, Kelly AJ. Headless compression screw fixation prevents symptomatic metalwork in arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis. Foot Ankle Surg. 2012;18(2):111-113. doi:10.1016/j.fas.2011.03.013.
  8. Capelle JH, Couch CG, Wells KM, et al. Fixation strength of anteriorly inserted headless screws for talar neck fractures. Foot Ankle Int. 2013;34(7):1012-1016. doi:10.1177/1071100713479586.
  9. Wheeler DL, McLoughlin SW. Biomechanical assessment of compression screws. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1998;350(350):237-245. doi:10.1097/00003086-199805000-00032.
  10. Rockwood CA, Green DP, Bucholz RW. Rockwood and Green's Fractures in Adults. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2010.
  11. Simanski CJ, Maegele MG, Lefering R, et al. Functional treatment and early weightbearing after an ankle fracture: a prospective study. J Orthop Trauma. 2006;20(2):108-114. doi:10.1097/01.bot.0000197701.96954.8c.
  12. Reimer H, Kreibich M, Oettinger W. Extended uses for the Herbert/Whipple screw: six case reports out of 35 illustrating technique. J Orthop Trauma. 1996;10(1):7-14. doi:10.1097/00005131-199601000-00002.
  13. Barnes H, Cannada LK, Watson JT. A clinical evaluation of alternative fixation techniques for medial malleolus fractures. Injury. 2014;45(9):1365-1367. doi:10.1016/j.injury.2014.05.031.
  14. Dumigan RM, Bronson DG, Early JS. Analysis of fixation methods for vertical shear fractures of the medial malleolus. J Orthop Trauma. 2006;20(10):687-691. doi:10.1097/01.bot.0000247075.17548.3a.
  15. Toolan BC, Koval KJ, Kummer FJ, Sanders R, Zuckerman JD. Vertical shear fractures of the medial malleolus: a biomechanical study of five internal fixation techniques. Foot Ankle Int. 1994;15(9):483-489. doi:10.1177/107110079401500905.
  16. Ramsey PL, Hamilton W. Changes in tibiotalar area of contact caused by lateral talar shift. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1976;58(3):356-357. doi:10.2106/00004623-197658030-00010.
  17. Thordarson DB, Motamed S, Hedman T, Ebramzadeh E, Bakshian S. The effect of fibular malreduction on contact pressures in an ankle fracture malunion model. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1997;79(12):1809-1815. doi:10.2106/00004623-199712000-00006.
  18. Amanatullah DF, Khan SN, Curtiss S, Wolinsky PR. Effect of divergent screw fixation in vertical medial malleolus fractures. J Trauma Acute Care Surg. 2012;72(3):751-754. doi:10.1097/TA.0b013e31823b8b9f.
  19. Heiner AD. Structural properties of fourth-generation composite femurs and tibias. J Biomech. 2008;41(15):3282-3284. doi:10.1016/j.jbiomech.2008.08.013.
  20. Brown GA, McCarthy T, Bourgeault CA, Callahan DJ. Mechanical performance of standard and cannulated 4.0-mm cancellous bone screws. J Orthop Res. 2000;18(2):307-312. doi:10.1002/jor.1100180220.
  21. Merk BR, Stern SH, Cordes S, Lautenschlager EP. A fatigue life analysis of small fragment screws. J Orthop Trauma. 2001;15(7):494-499. doi:10.1097/00005131-200109000-00006.
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Headless Compression Screw Fixation of Vertical Medial Malleolus Fractures is Superior to Unicortical Screw Fixation
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Headless Compression Screw Fixation of Vertical Medial Malleolus Fractures is Superior to Unicortical Screw Fixation
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TAKE-HOME POINTS

  • Optimal fixation of vertical sheer ankle fractures is unknown.
  • Headless compression screws are stiffer than cancellous screws in offset axial load.
  • Headless compression screws have a higher load to failure than cancellous screws.
  • Headless compression screws may offer a soft tissue friendly fixation of method for vertical sheer ankle fractures.
  • These findings may not apply when subject to cyclic loads or in osteoporotic bone.
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