title: The Headless Compression Screw - Technical challenges in scaphoid fracture fixation.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The Headless Compression Screw(®) (HCS) is a cannulated screw that is used for scaphoid fracture fixation. The screw generates compression across the fracture site prior to being countersunk below the articular surface.
  
  
  METHODS
  We performed a retrospective review of 56 consecutive scaphoid fixations using this device in patients with both acute and chronic fractures.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Union rates were 100% in acute and 87% in chronic fractures. 16% of patients required screw removal for protrusion.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Despite placement of the screw in line with technical guidance, protrusion was significant and can be a source of ongoing morbidity.
authors.affiliation: The Birmingham Hand Centre, University Hospital Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2WB, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Usman
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Ahmed
authors.affiliation: The Birmingham Hand Centre, University Hospital Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2WB, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Shahbaz
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Malik
authors.affiliation: The Birmingham Hand Centre, University Hospital Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2WB, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: David
authors.affiliation: The Birmingham Hand Centre, University Hospital Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2WB, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Claire
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Simpson
authors.affiliation: The Birmingham Hand Centre, University Hospital Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2WB, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Simon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Tan
authors.affiliation: The Birmingham Hand Centre, University Hospital Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2WB, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Dominic
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Power
keywords: Headless Compression Screw; Protrusion; Scaphoid fracture