Skip to main content

Difference Between Cancellous and Cortical Screws - A Quick Guide

 Difference Between Cancellous and Cortical Screws - A Quick Guide

Orthopedic screws are the commonly used trauma implants for the surgical fixation of fractures and other orthopedic conditions like non-unions, malunions, and limb-lengthening discrepancies. Depending on the type of injury and its location, different types of screws are used. If we talk about different types of screws, they can be classified as cancellous and cortical screws. In this post, we will have a detailed look at the difference between these two screw types. 

Before we go ahead, let us have a quick look at orthopedic screws.

What Are Orthopedic Screws?

An orthopedic screw is an implant that is often used with other orthopedic devices for the treatment of fractures and other musculoskeletal injuries. In appearance, it is just like a normal screw with a head and threads along its length. Its function is to hold implants and/or bone fragments in place with compression. This stabilizes the fracture and allows healing. Now, depending on the pitch and other structural parameters, orthopedic screws can be classified as cancellous or cortical. Let us see the types one by one. 

What Are Cancellous Screws?

Cancellous screws are specifically designed to be used in the cancellous bone, a spongy bone that forms the ends of long bones. These screws are known to produce interfragmentary compression in the joint areas. 

If we talk about their structure, they have a coarse pitch and smaller thread pattern. Cancellous screws are available as self-tapping and non-self-tapping screws that can also be availed in fully-threaded and partially-threaded structures. They are commonly used for fixing fractures in large bone and large bone fragments. The thread-to-core diameter ratio of cancellous screws is high in cancellous screws. 

Above all, cancellous screws are also available in locking and non-locking configurations. Non-locking cancellous screws have a plain head. While on the other hand, locking cancellous screws are made to have a threaded head profile. This helps the screws lock into a locking plate to provide a fixed-angle construct. 

What Are Cortical Screws?

Cortical screws are used for fixing fractures in cortical bone. They help fix orthopedic plates and other devices during fracture fixation. Cortical screws have a fine pitch with a smaller diameter. Just like cancellous screws, they are also available as fully-threaded and partially-threaded screws. The thread-to-core diameter ratio of cortical screws is low. 

They are self-tapping screws but can also be availed as non-self-tapping ones as required according to the type of injury. Just like cancellous screws, cortical screws can also be availed as locking and non-locking. Locking cortical screws have a threaded head profile whereas non-locking screws have plain threads. 

What Orthopedic Screws Are Made of?

Orthopedic screws are made of medical-grade metal alloys and bioabsorbable materials. Two of the commonly used materials for the manufacturing of screws are medical-grade stainless steel and titanium. Before being approved fit for use, these screws are tested against stringent quality parameters by experts. 

Siora Surgicals Pvt. Ltd. is a renowned orthopedic implant manufacturer in India with over 3 decades of experience in the industry. The company manufactures both cortical and cancellous screws in different sizes using medical-grade stainless steel and titanium. Siora is also a regular exhibitor at Florida 

International Medical Expo .In 2024, the company will be exhibiting at booth X21 in FIME.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

A Guide to Idiopathic Juvenile Arthritis

Image
  You must know that arthritis not only affects adults but is also seen in children. The form that affects children is known as idiopathic juvenile arthritis. This is what we are going to discuss in the post.  Arthritis is a condition that affects the cartilage in our joints.Cartilage protects our joints from impacts. If we talk about adults, wear & tear in cartilages over time is the cause of arthritis. Whereas in the case of juvenile arthritis, hereditary and environmental factors may cause juvenile arthritis.  Arthritis has no cure, and the treatment is only provided to improve symptoms and the quality of life. In most severe cases, surgery to repair or replace the joint is performed.  To get an international standard quality range of orthopedic devices, find experienced suppliers of Orthopedic Trauma Implants .  Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis – An Overview Juvenile arthritis is a common joint problem that affects children below 16 years of age. This form of arthritis can cause p
Read more

Best Foods for Maintaining Healthy Joints in Winters

Image
  Best Foods for Maintaining Healthy Joints in Winters As winter's chill settles in, many of us find ourselves reaching for comfort foods, often neglecting the impact of our choices on joint health. The colder months can exacerbate joint stiffness and discomfort, making it crucial to pay attention to what we eat to support our joints. Here's a guide to foods that can help keep your joints healthy and happy during the winter season. For a high-quality range of orthopedic implants, find experienced Orthopedic Medical Device Companies near you. Best Foods for Healthy Joints in Winters Fatty Fish Omega-3 fatty acids are renowned for their anti-inflammatory properties, making them a key player in joint health. Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines are rich sources of these essential fatty acids. Omega-3s not only help reduce inflammation in the joints but also contribute to overall joint lubrication, promoting flexibility and ease of movement. Nuts and Seeds Incorporate a
Read more

Arab Health Medical Expo – A Place Where the World of Healthcare Meets

Image
Arab Health Medical Expo will go live at the Dubai World Trade Center from 29 Jan to 1 st   Feb. Arab Health is one of the leading events in the healthcare industry that brings together regional and international experts. The exhibition will showcase advanced and innovative healthcare products and supplies exhibited by numerous exhibitors from across the globe. Why Attend Arab Health Medical Expo? Arab Health 2024 will be a great meeting place for business owners and companies to create meaningful partnerships, learn from industry experts, and explore what’s trending in the industry.  Over 110,000 professional visitors and 3,450 exhibiting companies are expected to be a part of the show and help make it a fruitful one for all. Attending the Arab Health Medical Expo will be a great platform to get acquainted with the recent technologies in the healthcare industry and how they can revolutionize the future of the industry. Attendees at the event will also get this opportunity to experienc
Read more