The application of Herbert screw in the treatment of navicular bone fracture / 重庆医学

Objective To investigate the treatment of Navicular bone fracture with Herbert screw.Methods Twenty-three patients with Navicular bone fracture were collected.They were all conducted with CT scan diagnosis and type,the small incision and targeting wire was used in operation.The Herbert screw was used to fix with pressure,plaster was also used to fix.After operation,the activity training was executed gradually.Results We conducted follow-up of 6-18 months in 23 patients,with an average of 12 months.All patients got bone-healing,the healing time ranges from 7 to 10 weeks,with an average of 9 weeks.There was one case of screw penetrating cortical bone,and one case of mild deformity healing,among the other 23 cases there were no complications including infection,nonunion,necrosis,osteoarthritis'etc.Conclusion The treatment of Navicular bone fracture with Herbert screw fixation can get firm fixation,function training and healing early,and it's worth of clinical promotion.

Biomechanical Comparison of Inter-fragmentary Compression Pressures: Lag Screw versus Herbert Screw for Anterior Odontoid Screw Fixation

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present study was to compare inter-fragmentary compression pressures after fixation of a simulated type II odontoid fracture with the headless compression Herbert screw and a half threaded cannulated lag screw. METHODS: We compared inter-fragmentary compression pressures between 40- and 45-mm long 4.5-mm Herbert screws (n=8 and n=9, respectively) and 40- and 45-mm long 4.0-mm cannulated lag screws (n=7 and n=10, respectively) after insertion into rigid polyurethane foam test blocks (Sawbones, Vashon, WA, USA). A washer load cell was placed between the two segments of test blocks to measure the compression force. Because the total length of each foam block was 42 mm, the 40-mm screws were embedded in the cancellous foam, while the 45-mm screws penetrated the denser cortical foam at the bottom. This enabled us to compare inter-fragmentary compression pressures as they are affected by the penetration of the apical dens tip by the screws. RESULTS: The mean compression pressures of the 40- and 45-mm long cannulated lag screws were 50.48±1.20 N and 53.88±1.02 N, respectively, which was not statistically significant (p=0.0551). The mean compression pressures of the 40-mm long Herbert screw was 52.82±2.17 N, and was not statistically significant compared with the 40-mm long cannulated lag screw (p=0.3679). However, 45-mm Herbert screw had significantly higher mean compression pressure (60.68±2.03 N) than both the 45-mm cannulated lag screw and the 40-mm Herbert screw (p=0.0049 and p=0.0246, respectively). CONCLUSION: Our results showed that inter-fragmentary compression pressures of the Herbert screw were significantly increased when the screw tip penetrated the opposite dens cortical foam. This can support the generally recommended surgical technique that, in order to facilitate maximal reduction of the fracture gap using anterior odontoid screws, it is essential to penetrate the apical dens tip with the screw.

CT-guided Percutaneous Minimally Invasive Treatment by Using Herbert Screws for Wrist Scaphoid Fracture:Report of 21 Cases / 中国微创外科杂志

Objective To investigate therapeutic effects of CT-guided percutaneous minimally invasive treatment by using Herbert screws for wrist scaphoid fracture . Methods From September 2010 to October 2012, 21 patients with scaphoid fracture were treated by internal fixation by using Herbert screws under the guidance of CT .The results of the procedure were assessed in terms of osseous union , pain extent , grip strength , and active motion of the wrist .Postoperative outcomes were evaluated by wrist standard scores based on patients’ perception of functions. Results The operation time was 25 -55 min (mean, 35.3 min).The intraoperative blood loss was 8-40 ml (mean, 18.6 ml).Fracture fragments were cured with bone union , with an average healing time of 10.4 weeks (range, 8-17 weeks).All the 21 cases were followed up for 8 -13 months (mean, 9.8 months).The VAS scores at the last follow-up was (1.2 ±0.8) points, which was significantly lower than that before the operation (5.3 ±1.4) points (t=11.785, P=0.000).The grip strength was (39.6 ±3.5) kg, which was significantly higher than that preoperatively [(19.4 ± 2.4) kg, t=-21.624, P =0.000].The Angle of wrist flexion and extension was 115.2°±7.4°, significantly higher than preoperative measure (89.8°±10.4°, t =-9.103, P =0.000).The wrist ulnar radial deflection angle was 53.7°±5.5°, significantly higher than preoperative one (39.4°±3.4°, t =-10.116, P=0.000).At the last follow-up assessment of wrist functions, excellent result was recorded in 18 cases, and good in 3 cases, with a good-or-excellent rate of 100%. Conclusion Treatment of scaphoid fracture with Herbert screws under the guidance of CT is a minimally invasive method , bearing advantages of little incision, simple operation performance , and good effects .

Scaphoid Nonunion: Herbert Screw Fixation through Dorsal Approach

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of scaphoid nonunion patients who had treated by open reduction and internal fixation with Herbert screw through dorsal approach. METHODS: We reviewed prospectively a series of 102 consecutive patients with scaphoid nonunion (Mack-Lichtman stage I, II, III). All patients were managed with open reduction with dorsal approach and internal fixation with a Herbert screw and additional K-wires. Exclusion criteria included conservative treatment, percutaneous fixation, scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse wrist. There were 94 male and 8 female with an average age of 28 years (range, 13-65 years). The mean follow period was 35 months (range, 12-96 months). Postoperative radiographs were reviewed to assess the fracture union, carpal alignment, and screw position. Functional results were evaluated by modified Mayo wrist score. RESULTS: Ninety-eight of 102 patients (96.1%) showed radiographic union at an average time of 12.7 weeks. Modified Mayo wrist score was 87.5 points in an average. Ninety-two of 102 patinets (91.3%) showed more than good results. There was no major complications. There was no statistically significant difference between the preoperative and postoperative radiolunate angle, scapholunate angle, or height to length scaphoid ratio. CONCLUSION: Herbert screw fixation through dorsal approach was a reliable method for patients of scaphoid nonuinion to achieve bony union with high functional scores and without major complications.

Revision Osteosynthesis after Failed Surgery for Scaphoid Nonunion

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of revision osteosynthesis using Herbert screw fixation combined with autogenous cancellous bone grafting for scaphoid nonunions after failed primary surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve patients who underwent revision osteosynthesis for a scaphoid nonunion after a mean of 13.6 months following primary surgical failure were studied. There were 9 waist fractures and 3 proximal fractures. The revision osteosynthesis was performed using autogenous iliac cancellous bone grafting combined with Herbert screw fixation. RESULTS: Union was achieved in 11 of 12 cases. The results of eleven united cases were clinically satisfactory at the mean follow up of 16.9 months after revision. The motion range of wrist joint improved: average flexion was 51degrees, average extension was 65degrees, average radial deviation 15degrees, and average ulnar deviation was 21degrees. CONCLUSION: Herbert screw fixation and autogenous iliac cancellous bone grafting was proved to be a useful method as a revisional operation for a scaphoid nonunion after failed primary surgery.

Intra-articular fracture treated with Herbert screws / 中国矫形外科杂志

[Objective]To evaluate the long-term clinical results of Herbert screw in the treatment of intra-articular fractures by retrospective analysis.[Method]From 1991 to 2006,fifty-five patients of different parts of intra-articular fracture treated with Herbert screw were followed up effectively,including scaphoid fracture group of 19 cases,the radial head fracture group of 25 cases,the femoral head fracture group of 11 cases.[Result]After an average follow-up time of 5 years and 11 months(ranged,1-13 years),the good-to-excellent rates were 94.7%,96%,72.7% according to the modified Mayo score,the Broberg-Morrey score and the Tompson-Epstein score.[Conclusion]The Herbert screw can provide strong fixation and stability in the long-term follow-up.It is an ideal material in treating intra-articular fractures.

Treatment of Nonunion of Proximal Scaphoid Fractures Using Vascularized Bone Graft / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: To evaluate the radiographic and clinical results of the treatment of nonunion of scaphoid proximal fractures using vascularized bone graft and internal fixation, and to present the surgical procedures in detail. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six patients with established nonunion of scaphoid proximal fractures who had been treated by vascularized bone graft and internal fixation from the year of 2000 to 2003 were analyzed retrospectively. The mean ages were 27.8 years old (18-45) and all the patients were male. The average follow up period was 13 months (8-18), and the causes of injuries were fall down in 4 cases, and motor vehicle accident in 2 cases. The 1, 2-intercomparmental supraretinacular artery was used as a vascular pedicle for the bone graft and fixed with a Herbert screw. RESULTS: All the non-unions had united at a mean period of 8.7 weeks (7-11). According to the Maudsley and Chen's criteria, 4 and 2 cases showed excellent and good results, respectively. There was one case of dysesthesia on the superficial branch of the radial nerve after surgery, which was resolved in 2 months. CONCLUSION: A vascularized bone graft is an useful method for treating a nonunion of scaphoid proximal fractures without severe arthritic changes, and can achieve a shorter immobilization and improved bone healing.

Anterior Screw Fixation using Herbert Screw for Type II Odontoid Process Fractures

OBJECTIVE: Anterior screw fixation provides the best anatomical and functional results for type II odontoid process fracture (type II-A, II-N, and II-P) with intact transverse ligament. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the usefulness of the 4.5mm diameter, cannulated Herbert screw in anterior screw fixation. METHODS: From Jan. 2003 to Feb. 2004, consecutive 10cases of type II odontoid process fractures were treated with anterior screw fixation using a Herbert screw. The Herbert screw has double threads, with different pitches on the distal and proximal ends. It has no head, so it can be inserted through articular cartilage and buried below bone surface. It was originally developed for treating scaphoid fractures. RESULTS: There were 8male and 2female patients whose ages ranged from 15 to 67years (mean 42.1years). The fracture type was type II-A in 4patients, II-N in 3patients, and II-P in 3patients. The fracture line was oblique downward and backward in 6cases, oblique downward and forward in 1case, and horizontal in 3cases. The range of follow-up was 5 to 18months (mean 12months). Bone fusions were achieved in all cases without any instrumental failures or postoperative complications. CONCLUSION: The Herbert screw is very useful in anterior fixation for type II odontoid process fracture. This series showed successful results also in type II-A odontoid fracture when treated with the Herbert screw, but further more studies are required.

Operative Treatment in the Radial Head Fractures / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Sixteen patients who had radial head fractures were treated with open reduction and internal fixation using Herbert screws (10 patients), and with silastic prosthetic replacement (6 patients) from March, 1992 to December, 1994 in Chungnam National University hospital. The average duration of follow up was 19.5 months. The purpose of this study is to examine the role of Herbert screw fixation and silicone replacement arthroplasty and to asscess the clinical results of two groups functionally, radiologically in raidial head fractures. By functional rating index (modified After B.F. Morrey et al), the results were classified as excellent (9 patients), good (6 patients), fair (No patient) and poor (1 patient). Nine of the ten patients treated by open reduction and internal fixation using Herbert screws had resulted in excellent or good. All patients were inserted silastic implants were showed excellent or good results. Especially, in Mason Type III radial head fractures, three of four patients treated by Herbert screws and all 5 patients treated by silastic prosthesis were considered to excellent or good results. We concluded that Herbert screw fixation or silastic prosthetic replacement had satisfactorily appeared to be the alternative treatment option for Mason Type III radial head fractures.

Operative Treatment of the Carpal Scaphoid Nonunions / 대한정형외과학회잡지

We had treated 24 patients who had nonunions of the carpal scaphoid from June 1987 to September 1995. 17 of 24 nonunions of carpal scaphoid were treated by K-wires fixation and autogenous iliac bone grafts. Another 7 cases were treated by Herbert screw fixation and autogenous iliac bone graft. 24 patients were followed up average 42.6 months and obtained following results; l. Among 24 cases, 23 cases were men and 19 cases were the third and fourth decade. Most common injury was the falling accidents (11 cases: 45.8%). 2. Most common pattern of fractures was waist type (20cases: 83.3%) in anatomical site and transverse type (15 cases: 75.0%) in pattern of fracture line. 3. Preoperative scapholunate angles (mean 52.9degrees: K-wires, 69.1degrees: Herbert screw) has been improved after open reduction and internal fixation by K-wires or Herbert screw (mean 46.2degrees: K-wires, 51.1degrees: Herbert screw). 6 cases had DISI deformity preoperatively with scapholunate angles over 70degrees (mean 80.0degrees: K-wires, 84.0degrees: Herbert screw) has been corrected after ORIF (mean 48.0: K-wires, 58.0: Herbert screw). 4. Bony unions were obtained in average 13.2 weeks in K-wires group and 9.8 weeks in Herbert screw group. 5. 13 cases (76.5%) in K-wires group and 6 cases (85.7%) in Herbert screw group were excellent and good result by Maudsley method. 6. The complications and sequalaes were present 4 cases in K-wires group with degenerative arthritis on radioscaphoidal and scapholunate joint and collapse of proximal pole and 1 case in Herbert screw group with screw malposition. So, We were thought that ORIF with K-wires and Herbert screw was effective treatment for nonunions of carpal scaphoid, especially Herbert screw fixation and autogenous iliac bone graft. In comparison of bony union and results of treatment, Herbert screw group was more effective than K- wires group.

Internal Fixation of Capitellar Fractures Using Herbert Screws: A Report of Three Cases / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Capitellar fracture was first described by Hahn in 1853. It is rare, espically in children, and has been occurred 0.5% to 1% of incidence of all elbow injuries. Factures of the capitellum can involve a significant portion of the articular surfaces. It is desirable to reduce and internally fix the capitellar fragment, if possible, because this restores the artucular surface and augment joint stability. Three patients with displaced fractures of the capitellum(capitulum humeri) were treated by open reduction and internal fixation using Herbert screws, which stabilized the joint, allowed anatomical reduction, and gave rigid fixation. Postoperatively, early motion of the joint was allowed. All fractures were united without evidence of avascular necrosis and final follow-up was excellent.

Treatment of Scaphoid Non-Union by Autogenous Iliac Graft with Herbert Screw Fixation / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Nine scaphoid non-unions, which were treated by through curettage of the scar tissue on pseudarthrosis, iliac bone grafts between the fragments and Herbert screws fixation, were analysed. The average follow up period from operation was 16.9 months. The interval between the fracture and the time of the operation ranged from 10 months to 48 months(average 21.6 months). Average union time was 14 weeks after operation. The initial radiologic cystic changes disappeared and overall clinical results were improved. Mean postoperative range of motion of the wrist was flexion 55 and extension 45°. Three of them had DISI deformity preoperatively which their scapholunate angles (mean 104°) has been corrected after reduction (mean 75°). In one case among three DISI deformities, partial radial styloidectomy and triscaphe fusion were added (to bone graft and Herbert screw fixation). A case of incorrect positioning of the screw and a case of neuroma were complicated. Treatment of scaphoid nonunion with curettage of the scar tissue and iliac bone graft and Herbert screw fixation seems to be encouraging to regain the normal anatomy of scaphoid and function of the wrist.

Herbert screw treating displaced radial head fractures and a review of literatures / 中华创伤杂志

Objective To evaluate advantages of the Herbert screw in treating displaced radial head fractures. Methods The Herbert screw was used to treat 25 segmental fractures of the radial head from since 1991 and the results were compared with those of other treatment methods mentioned in the literature. Results A follow up averaging 6 years and 8 months showed that postoperative function was all excellent or good and that most cases recovered to normal absolutely, without complications. Conclusions The Herbert screw provides such rigid internal fixation for displaced radial head fractures that, after operation, a plaster cast is rarely required and most patients are able to return to work within a few weeks. This method of treatment appears to offer significant advantages over conventional techniques.

Delayed and Nonunion of the Carpal Scaphoid Fractrue Treated with Herbert Screw / 대한정형외과학회잡지

14 Cases of delayed and nonunion of the carpal scaphoid fractures who were treated at Department of the Orthopedic Surgery, College of medicine, Kyungpook National University, Taegu, Korea during the period of April, 1984. to March, 1986 were analysed. The results were as follows; l. Of the total 14 cases, there were 13 male and 1 female patients. This result showed marked predominence of right hand (10 cases) over the left and most commonly occured between 21 and 40 of age (11 case). 2. The site of fracture were confined to the middle one third in 12 cases (85.7%), the fracture lines were transverse in 6 cases (42.9%). 3. In 14 cases, union was obtained from 13 cases (92.9%) that were treated with Herbert screw,from 2 cases of delyed union after 2.3 months and from 12 cases of nonunion after 4.3 months. 4. Postoperatve cast immobilization was done for 2 weeks in the cases that were treated with Herbert screw and for 4 weeks in the cases that were treated with Herbert screw and bone graft. 5. The results of treatment were excellent in 7 cases (50%), good in 6 cases (42.9%) and fair in 1 case so that all of 14 patient could treturn to their work.