Bending, Torsional, and Pullout Strength of Compression Screws in Cadaver Foot and Ankle Specimens

It has been well supported in the literature that using compression screws is the preferred method to achieve fixation of an arthrodesis [1, 2]. Indications for isolated subtalar arthrodesis include trauma, arthritis, talocalcaneal coalition, adult acquired flatfoot, posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, and Charcot neuroarthropathy [3, 4]. With the increase in bone screw shapes and designs, there is a desire to achieve the best compression generated by a type of screw so as to promote excellent bone healing and outcome for the patient; this will also allow the stability of the construct achieved by the screw and its placement to be determined. As indicated by Wheeler, et. al.[5] screw choice, compression, stability and loading can be very important when it comes to healing of fractures in small bones.