title: Biomechanical comparison of first metatarsophalangeal joint arthrodeses using triple-threaded headless screws versus partially threaded lag screws.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Triple-threaded, cannulated headless screws of varying thread diameters and pitch are designed to maintain thread length across the arthrodesis plane, provide joint compression, and reduce countersinking. This study tested the biomechanical fixation strength of conventional partially threaded lag screws compared to triple-threaded headless screws in first metatarsophalangeal joint arthrodesis.
  
  
  METHODS
  First metatarsophalangeal joint arthrodesis using a crossed screw technique was performed on 11 paired, preserved cadaver first rays with two 4.0-mm triple-threaded, cannulated headless screws or two 4.0-mm partially threaded, cannulated lag screws. The constructs were tested to failure through dorsally directed cantilever bending.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The triple-threaded, cannulated headless screws displayed significantly greater bending stiffness (p=0.017) and failure load (p=0.040) during load-to-failure testing compared to the partially threaded, cannulated lag screws.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Triple-threaded, cannulated headless screws may be a viable alternative to partially threaded lag screws in first metatarsophalangeal arthrodesis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation, The University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX 77555-0165, United States.
authors.forename: Kurt J
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Lucas
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation, The University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX 77555-0165, United States.
authors.forename: Randal P
authors.initials: RP
authors.lastname: Morris
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation, The University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX 77555-0165, United States.
authors.forename: William L
authors.initials: WL
authors.lastname: Buford
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation, The University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX 77555-0165, United States. Electronic address: vkpanchb@utmb.edu.
authors.forename: Vinod K
authors.initials: VK
authors.lastname: Panchbhavi
mesh_terms: D001174:Arthrodesis / Q000295:instrumentation*; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D001863:Bone Screws; D006801:Humans; D008683:Metatarsophalangeal Joint / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*
keywords: Arthrodesis; Fusion; Hallux rigidus; Hallux valgus; Rheumatoid arthritis