Biomechanical Comparison of a Fully Threaded, Variable Pitch Screw and a Partially Threaded Lag Screw for Internal Fixation of Type II Dens Fractures

Abstract

A headless, fully threaded variable pitch screw was biomechanically favorable in comparison with a partially threaded lag screw and washer in this cadaver model of Type II dens fractures. The mode of failure at the C2 vertebral body may have important implications for further improvements in construct strength.