Background

Scaphoid fractures are the most common fracture injuries of the carpal bones, making up 80% of such injuries. The primary cause of these injuries is the hyperextension of the wrist as described in literature. Because of poor blood flow, previous treatment approaches for these types of fractures are ineffective in many cases, and can lead to pseudoarthrosis or the loss of the scaphoid. One form of treatment of scaphoid fractures is to stabilize the fracture fragments by means of a headless osteosynthesis screw. Existing systems do not use rotational stabilization of the plane and from corresponding research, it can be concluded that this reduces the healing effect.

Technology Overview

To overcome this disadvantage the current twin screw was developed. The implant now consists of two screws. The first screw is cannulated and placed over a guide wire. This screw also has a groove in the longitudinal direction, in which the second screw can be placed. The second screw thereby acts as set screw and causes the implant to anchor rotationally stable.

Benefits

high stability at smallest dimension
stable rotation
good compression effect
minimal dissection of soft tissue
access to both screws
fixation without cross-holes

Applications

Scaphoid bone fractures
Scaphoid bone pseudoarthrosis

Opportunity

Licensing (US Patent)

(Info: EP2317949 already licensed but sublicenses and cooperation possible)

Twin Screw Stabilizing Loads in Bone Fragments

Patents

IP Status

Seeking