Effects of Surgical Errors on Small Fragment Screw Fixation

Abstract

Alterations from recommended techniques for the placement of orthopedic screws had varying effects on screw fixation, as assessed by the pullout strength. Clinically, these findings indicate that, in some cases, a screw hole that was not initially placed according to the optimal technique may be salvaged. Finally, the authors recommend that careful vigilance be maintained at all times in surgery and that fixation be applied according to sound principles in an effort to avoid some of these problems.