MECHANICAL STRENGTH OF SCAPHOID FIXATION

We have investigated five devices suitable for scaphoid fixation (ASIF 2.7 mm and 3.5 mm cannulated screws, Herbert, Herbert-Whipple, and Ho wmedica Universal Compression Screw). The biomechanical properties tes ted were compression and resistance to cantilever bending. There was n o statistically significant difference in compression between devices. There were significant differences in resistance to cantilever bendin g, with the Howmedica screw being strongest in both failure mode and i n ultimate failure strength.