cancellous screw
A cancellous screw is a specialized orthopedic fixation device designed specifically for securing bone fragments in areas with softer, spongy bone tissue. This surgical implant features a unique thread design that maximizes grip in cancellous bone, which is the porous inner layer found at the ends of long bones and throughout flat bones. The cancellous screw differs from cortical screws through its wider thread pitch, deeper thread depth, and coarser threading pattern, all engineered to engage effectively with the trabecular bone structure. These screws serve critical functions in fracture fixation, joint reconstruction, and osteotomy procedures across various skeletal regions. The primary technological features include partially threaded or fully threaded shaft options, self-tapping capabilities that eliminate the need for pre-tapping, and tapered core designs that reduce bone stress during insertion. Modern cancellous screw systems incorporate cannulated designs allowing guidewire placement for precise positioning during surgical procedures. Materials typically include medical-grade stainless steel or titanium alloys, both offering excellent biocompatibility and mechanical strength. Applications span trauma surgery for ankle fractures, knee reconstructions, hip fractures, and small bone fixation in the hand and foot. Surgeons rely on cancellous screw technology for procedures requiring stable internal fixation in metaphyseal and epiphyseal bone regions where traditional fixation methods prove less effective due to the softer bone density.