Screw Design Research Articles

On the stability efficiency of anchorage self-tapping screws: Ex vivo experiments on miniscrew implants used in orthodontics.

The clinical success of orthodontic miniscrews is strictly related to primary stability, which depends on bone viscoelastic properties too. In this study, we evaluated the short time mechanical response of native bone to miniscrews, by a laboratory test based on dynamic loading. Thirty-six segments of porcine ribs were first scanned by cone-beam computerized tomography to obtain insertion-site cortical thickness, cortical and marrow bone density. Twelve different types of miniscrews were implanted in the bone samples to evaluate the elastic compliance of the implants in response to a point force applied at the screw head normally to the screw axis. The compliance was measured dynamically in a Dynamic Mechanical Analysis apparatus as the Fourier Response Function between the signals of displacement and force. The measurements were repeated in five days successive to the insertion of the miniscrew. The elastic compliance was positively related to observation timepoints, but it was not related neither to the screw type nor to the value of the insertion torque. Stability behavior is significantly related to the short time response of native bone rather than to the screw design or the insertion torque values.

Comparison of the Pullout Strength of Different Pedicle Screw Designs and Augmentation Techniques in an Osteoporotic Bone Model.

Study DesignMechanical study.PurposeTo compare the pullout strength of different screw designs and augmentation techniques in an osteoporotic bone model.Overview of LiteratureAdequate bone screw pullout strength is a common problem among osteoporotic patients. Various screw designs and augmentation techniques have been developed to improve the biomechanical characteristics of the bone–screw interface.MethodsPolyurethane blocks were used to mimic human osteoporotic cancellous bone, and six different screw designs were tested. Five standard and expandable screws without augmentation, eight expandable screws with polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) or calcium phosphate augmentation, and distal cannulated screws with PMMA and calcium phosphate augmentation were tested. Mechanical tests were performed on 10 unused new screws of each group. Screws with or without augmentation were inserted in a block that was held in a fixture frame, and a longitudinal extraction force was applied to the screw head at a loading rate of 5 mm/min. Maximum load was recorded in a load displacement curve.ResultsThe peak pullout force of all tested screws with or without augmentation was significantly greater than that of the standard pedicle screw. The greatest pullout force was observed with 40-mm expandable pedicle screws with four fins and PMMA augmentation. Augmented distal cannulated screws did not have a greater peak pullout force than nonaugmented expandable screws. PMMA augmentation provided a greater peak pullout force than calcium phosphate augmentation.ConclusionsExpandable pedicle screws had greater peak pullout forces than standard pedicle screws and had the advantage of augmentation with either PMMA or calcium phosphate cement. Although calcium phosphate cement is biodegradable, osteoconductive, and nonexothermic, PMMA provided a significantly greater peak pullout force. PMMA-augmented expandable 40-mm four-fin pedicle screws had the greatest peak pullout force.

Achievable accuracy of hip screw holding power estimation by insertion torque measurement

BackgroundTo ensure stability of proximal femoral fractures, the hip screw must firmly engage into the femoral head. Some studies suggested that screw holding power into trabecular bone could be evaluated, intraoperatively, through measurement of screw insertion torque. However, those studies used synthetic bone, instead of trabecular bone, as host material or they did not evaluate accuracy of predictions. We determined prediction accuracy, also assessing the impact of screw design and host material. MethodsWe measured, under highly-repeatable experimental conditions, disregarding clinical procedure complexities, insertion torque and pullout strength of four screw designs, both in 120 synthetic and 80 trabecular bone specimens of variable density. For both host materials, we calculated the root-mean-square error and the mean-absolute-percentage error of predictions based on the best fitting model of torque-pullout data, in both single-screw and merged dataset. FindingsPredictions based on screw-specific regression models were the most accurate. Host material impacts on prediction accuracy: the replacement of synthetic with trabecular bone decreased both root-mean-square errors, from 0.54 ÷ 0.76 kN to 0.21 ÷ 0.40 kN, and mean-absolute-percentage errors, from 14 ÷ 21% to 10 ÷ 12%. However, holding power predicted on low insertion torque remained inaccurate, with errors up to 40% for torques below 1 Nm. InterpretationIn poor-quality trabecular bone, tissue inhomogeneities likely affect pullout strength and insertion torque to different extents, limiting the predictive power of the latter. This bias decreases when the screw engages good-quality bone. Under this condition, predictions become more accurate although this result must be confirmed by close in-vitro simulation of the clinical procedure.

Hairline fractures following volar plating of the distal radius: a recently recognized hardware-related complication.

Intraoperative hairline longitudinal fractures were recently reported in association with distal radius volar plating. Our aim was to further analyze this newly described complication. A retrospective radiographic and chart review was performed on 225 patients who underwent distal radius plating between June 2013 and June 2015. The Acu-Loc/Acu-Loc2© plating system (Acumed, Hillsboro, OR, USA) was used in 208 cases, and the VariAx© plating system (Stryker, Kalamazoo, MI, USA) was used in 17 cases. Three independent reviewers performed a blind evaluation of all relevant radiographs for the occurrence of longitudinal fractures around the plate, and validity was considered only when there was agreement among all three of them. Hairline longitudinal fractures were identified in 57 cases (25%), 55 with the Acu-Loc/Acu-Loc2© system and 2 with the VariAx© system. All fractures occurred with volar plating. Fracture occurrence was associated with age over 59years, female gender, extra-articular fractures, and the use of Hexalobe screws (Acu-Loc/Acu-Loc2© system). We believe that the source of fracture occurrence lies within the screw design and that better screw design and possibly tapping in patients at risk may reduce the occurrence of intraoperative hairline longitudinal fractures. Further clinical and biomechanical research is needed to better understand this newly reported complication.

Abutment's screw design influences the reliability of implant-supported restorations

Abutment's screw design influences the reliability of implant-supported restorations

Micro-CT and micro-FE analysis of pedicle screw fixation under different loading conditions

Anchorage of pedicle screw instrumentation in the elderly spine with poor bone quality remains challenging. In this study, micro finite element (µFE) models were used to assess the specific influence of screw design and the relative contribution of local bone density to fixation mechanics. These were created from micro computer tomography (µCT) scans of vertebras implanted with two types of pedicle screws, including a full region-or-interest of 10 mm radius around each screw, as well as submodels for the pedicle and inner trabecular bone of the vertebral body. The local bone volume fraction (BV/TV) calculated from the µCT scans around different regions of the screw (pedicle, inner trabecular region of the vertebral body) were then related to the predicted stiffness in simulated pull-out tests as well as to the experimental pull-out and torsional fixation properties mechanically measured on the corresponding specimens. Results show that predicted stiffness correlated excellently with experimental pull-out strength (R2 > 0.92, p < .043), better than regional BV/TV alone (R2 = 0.79, p = .003). They also show that correlations between fixation properties and BV/TV were increased when accounting only for the pedicle zone (R2 = 0.66–0.94, p ≤ .032), but with weaker correlations for torsional loads (R2 < 0.10). Our analyses highlight the role of local density in the pedicle zone on the fixation stiffness and strength of pedicle screws when pull-out loads are involved, but that local apparent bone density alone may not be sufficient to explain resistance in torsion.

Fatigue Bending Strength of Jones Fracture Specific Screw Fixation.

Intramedullary screw fixation is a common method of treating proximal metadiaphyseal fifth metatarsal (ie, Jones) fractures. Fatigue failure is a complication of this fixation. There are many screw designs available, including Jones fracture specific fixation, but the optimal choice of screw design is unknown. The purpose of this study was to compare the fatigue strength of Jones fracture specific screw designs as well as other commonly used screw designs. Our hypothesis was that there would be no difference in fatigue strength for Jones fracture specific screw designs at similar screw diameters. A study was performed to determine the fatigue bending strength of 5 different screw designs including Jones fracture specific screw designs at 3 different screw diameters. Six screws of each size and design underwent cyclic fatigue testing, and a median fatigue limit (MFL) was determined for each screw design and size. The Stryker Asnis JFX solid 4.0-mm, 5.0-mm, and 6.0-mm screws had a higher MFL than all other screws with similar diameter tested (all P < .0001). Both Jones fracture specific screw designs (Stryker Asnis JFX solid screws and Charlotte Carolina Jones screws) had higher MFLs than the other screw designs tested. This study provides comparative fatigue strength data on larger screw diameters, which have not been previously reported. There was a statistically significant difference in screw fatigue properties at the screw diameters tested. The clinical significance of this study is that it provides surgeons with fatigue strength data to aid in screw selection for Jones fracture fixation.

Novel Cover Screw Design for Flapless Stage II Surgery

Novel Cover Screw Design for Flapless Stage II Surgery

KAJIAN TEORITIK PENGARUH GEOMETRI DAN SUDUT KEMIRINGAN TERHADAP KINERJA TURBIN ARCHIMEDES SCREW

The need for electrical energy is increasing every year. The present electrical energy remains largely dependent on fossil energy and can not be renewed. Indonesia is one of the countries rich in renewable energy potential. The abundant energy in Indonesia is water energy as a mini / microhydro scale generator. The development of hydro power is to utilize the potential energy flow of water that has certain head and debit. Then the potential energy is converted by turbine and generator into electrical energy. The purpose of this paper is to conduct a theoretical study to design the optimal angle of archimedes screw with a relatively easy design method. Based on the results obtained geometry and arch angle archimedes screw design with 0.050 m external diameter, 0.030 m internal diameter 0.055 m and slope angle (α) 45 0 generates shaft power of 5.11 Watt at 50 rpm rotation capable of producing efficiency 89% with head 1 m and debit 0.5 m / s.

Contribution to FE modeling for intraoperative pedicle screw strength prediction

Although the use of pedicle screws is considered safe, mechanical issues still often occur. Commonly reported issues are screw loosening, screw bending and screw fracture. The aim of this study was to develop a Finite Element (FE) model for the study of pedicle screw biomechanics and for the prediction of the intraoperative pullout strength. The model includes both a parameterized screw model and a patient-specific vertebra model. Pullout experiments were performed on 30 human cadaveric vertebrae from ten donors. The experimental force-displacement data served to evaluate the FE model performance. μCT images were taken before and after screw insertion, allowing the creation of an accurate 3D-model and a precise representation of the mechanical properties of the bone. The experimental results revealed a significant positive correlation between bone mineral density (BMD) and pullout strength (Spearman ρ = 0.59, p < 0.001) as well as between BMD and pullout stiffness (Spearman ρ = 0.59, p < 0.001). A high positive correlation was also found between the pullout strength and stiffness (Spearman ρ = 0.84, p < 0.0001). The FE model was able to reproduce the linear part of the experimental force-displacement curve. Moreover, a high positive correlation was found between numerical and experimental pullout stiffness (Pearson ρ = 0.96, p < 0.005) and strength (Pearson ρ = 0.90, p < 0.05). Once fully validated, this model opens the way for a detailed study of pedicle screw biomechanics and for future adjustments of the screw design.

Surface temperature and wear particle analysis of vertical motion double-nut ball screws

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate the temperature and wear properties of vertical ball screws and to discuss the surface design of ball screws in industrial applications.Design/methodology/approachThe energy equation of the screw surface considering the frictional heat was established to verify the surface temperature of the ball screw. X-ray diffraction was used to examine the micro-contact temperature between the ball and screw. Debris size and density were examined to investigate wear properties of ball screws and to study the relationship of wear debris and temperature.FindingsFirst, the main energy source for the surface temperature of high speed vertical ball screws is derived from friction force between ball and screw. Second, the temperature rise between the ball and screw has great relevance with wear debris concentration. Third, the surface temperature of the screw is higher than between the nut and ball for high speed vertical ball screws due to high convection heat transfer. The contact temperature of the nut near the flange is smaller than that of the nut away from the flange end due to the high contact load and thermal conduction. Finally, correlation of particle size and surface roughness value for vertical ball screws was established, and its effects on contact temperature were studied. The theoretical analysis and experiments will help to characterize the design and manufacture of vertical ball screws.Originality/valueThe surface temperature and micro-contact temperature analytical model were established to study the ball screw design. Based on the surface-particle micro-contact temperature balance, the optimal range of surface roughness was designed for vertical ball screws, considering the wear debris and micro-contact temperature.

Effects of Removal and Reinsertion of Headless Compression Screws.

This study investigates the loss of compression when 3 commonly used headless compression screws are backed out (reversed), and assesses the ability to re-establish compression with screws of greater diameter. Two investigators tested 3 screw designs (Acutrak 2, Synthes HCS, Medartis SpeedTip CCS) in 2 diameters and lengths. Each design had 10 test cycles in a polyurethane foam bone model with compression recorded using a washer load cell. A 28-mm screw of the narrower diameter was inserted until 2 mm recessed and then reversed 30°, 60°, 90°, 180°, 270°, 360°, and 720°. After this the screw was removed completely and a 24-mm screw of greater diameter inserted until recessed 2 mm with the compressive force again recorded. All screws showed an immediate, statistically significant loss of compression at 30° of reversing. The Acutrak 2 Micro screw demonstrated not only the greatest mean compressive force, but also the fastest compressive loss. Insertion of the shorter screw of greater diameter was associated with re-establishment of compression to levels comparable with the original screw. This study reaffirms the importance of establishing the correct screw length before insertion due to the immediate loss of compression with reversal of these devices. If a headless compression screw penetrates the far joint surface, the screw should be completely removed and replaced with a shorter screw of greater diameter.

Design and Analysis of a New HTS Electromagnetic Screw

The high-temperature superconductor (HTS) machines are more attractive due to the advantages of high power density and efficiency. This paper introduces a new HTS electromagnetic screw (HTS-EMS) that is developed for artificial heart. Two helical-shaped slots are introduced to the translator; the key to the HTS-EMS is that the HTS coils carrying dc currents are placed in the helical-shaped slots. The permanent-magnet array is placed in the rotor. Due to the high current density of the HTS coil, the power density of the HTS-EMS can be improved effectively. The electromagnetic performance of the HTS-EMS is analyzed, including the flux, thrust force, as well as torque. The proposed HTS-EMS is evaluated compared with the existing magnetic screw using time-stepping finite-element method, verifying the advantages of the proposed structure.

Biomechanical study of a newly-designed Y type pedicle screw in osteoporotic synthetic bone

To evaluate the biomechanical stability of a newly-designed Y type pedicle screw (YPS) in osteoporotic synthetic bone. The osteoporotic synthetic bone were randomly divided into 3 groups ( n=20). A pilot hole, 3.0 mm in diameter and 30.0 mm in deep, was prepared in these bones with the same method. The YPS, expansive pedicle screw (EPS), and bone cement-injectable cannulated pedicle screw (CICPS) were inserted into these synthetic bone through the pilot hole prepared. X-ray film examination was performed after 12 hours; the biomechanical stability of YPS, EPS, and CICPS groups was tested by the universal testing machine (E10000). The test items included the maximum axial pullout force, the maximum running torque, and the maximum periodical anti-bending. X-ray examination showed that in YPS group, the main screw and the core pin were wrapped around the polyurethane material, the core pin was formed from the lower 1/3 of the main screw and formed an angle of 15° with the main screw, and the lowest point of the inserted middle core pin was positioned at the same level with the main screw; in EPS group, the tip of EPS expanded markedly and formed a claw-like structure; in CICPS group, the bone cement was mainly distributed in the front of the screw and was dispersed in the trabecular bone to form a stable screw-bone cement-trabecular complex. The maximum axial pullout force of YPS, EPS, and CICPS groups was (98.43±8.26), (77.41±11.41), and (186.43±23.23) N, respectively; the maximum running torque was (1.42±0.33), (0.96±0.37), and (2.27±0.39) N/m, respectively; and the maximum periodical anti-bending was (67.49±3.02), (66.03±2.88), and (143.48±4.73) N, respectively. The above indexes in CICPS group were significantly higher than those in YPS group and EPS group ( P<0.05); the maximum axial pullout force and the maximum running torque in YPS group were significantly higher than those in EPS group ( P<0.05), but there was no significant difference in the maximum periodical anti-bending between YPS group and EPS group ( P>0.05). Compared with EPS, YPS can effectively enhance the maximum axial pullout force and maximum rotation force in the module, which provides a new idea for the design of screws and the choice of different fixation methods under the condition of osteoporosis.

Biomechanical analysis of an interference screw and a novel twist lock screw design for bone graft fixation

BackgroundMalpositioning of an anterior cruciate ligament graft during reconstruction can occur during screw fixation. The purpose of this study is to compare the fixation biomechanics of a conventional interference screw with a novel Twist Lock Screw, a rectangular shaped locking screw that is designed to address limitations of graft positioning and tensioning. MethodsSynthetic bone (10, 15, 20lb per cubic foot) were used simulating soft, moderate, and dense cancellous bone. Screw push-out and graft push-out tests were performed using conventional and twist lock screws. Maximum load and torque of insertion were measured. FindingsMax load measured in screw push out with twist lock screw was 64%, 60%, 57% of that measured with conventional screw in soft, moderate and dense material, respectively. Twist lock max load was 78% and 82% of that with conventional screw in soft and moderate densities. In the highest bone density, max loads were comparable in the two systems. Torque of insertion with twist lock was significantly lower than with conventional interference screw. InterpretationBased on geometric consideration, the twist lock screw is expected to have 35% the holding power of a cylindrical screw. Yet, results indicate that holding power was greater than theoretical consideration, possibly due to lower friction and lower preloaded force. During graft push out in the densest material, comparable max loads were achieved with both systems, suggesting that fixation of higher density bone, which is observed in young athletes that require reconstruction, can be achieved with the twist lock screw.

Achieving interfragmentary compression without special drilling technique or screw design.

this study demonstrates that compression is generated using fully threaded screws without using a predrilled glide hole. The insertional torque required to generate compression with fully threaded screws is increased but is clinically applicable. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:1099-1105, 2018.

The application of genetic algorithm for the design of screw in twin-screw extruder

PurposeWith the twin screw extruder being widely used, there are a lot of parameters considered in the method, and the extruder’s volume is an important parameter of twin screw extruders among them. In this paper, some of the extruder parameters such as the impacting extruder volume are introduced, and the mathematical relationship in these parameters is interpreted. The minimum power consumption is the goal of the authors’ structural design.Design/methodology/approachThis paper further applies genetic algorithm, a kind of intelligent optimization methods, to obtain the most optimized design dimension, and power consumption function related to unit output of extruder is used as the optimizing target. Meanwhile, this paper takes channel depth of feeding section, channel depth of extrusion section affecting the energy consumption, the width of flight top and helix angle as design variables.FindingsBy using genetic algorithm, the optimal structure size is obtained, and the power consumption is minimum.Originality/valueWith the use of optimizing the structure, the power of consumption is reduced. This method has important economic significance and important social significance on energy saving.

Hybrid dynamic modeling and analysis of a ball-screw-drive spindle system

We propose a comprehensive modeling approach to investigate the rigid-flexible coupling vibration of a Ball-screw-drive spindle system (BSDSS). Taking into account the rigid-flexible coupling between the ball screw and rigid components, a hybrid dynamic model for the BSDSS is established. The ball screw shaft was modeled by a flexible beam with axial, torsional, and transverse deformations, and the Ritz series expansion was used to approximate the continuous deformations. The motion equations were obtained using the Lagrange method. The analytical solution was derived and verified. According to the proposed model, the dynamic behavior of the system for various operating conditions was simulated and discussed. The numerical simulation result is useful for the controller design or tuning and the stiffness matching design of ball screw drives.

Spinal implant options to optimize fixation in patients with osteopenia/osteoporosis

The challenges presented by osteoporotic spines for creating a strong bone–implant interface are substantial. Many devices have been specifically designed to enhance fixation of screws, hooks, and cages in order to create an optimal healing environment for patients with low bone mineral density. Screw design has been enhanced via differing screw pitches, shapes, materials, coating, and sizes in order to enhance fixation in both the posterior and anterior osteoporotic spine. Several novel designs for cages, plates, anchors, hooks, and bands can be used to achieve fixation as well. With appropriate surgical technique, these technological advances can dramatically improve fixation for a construct to treat osteoporotic spines.

In vitro assessment of maximum insertion and removal torque with three different miniscrews on artificial maxilla and mandible

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to measure and correlate the values of maximum insertion and removal torques of miniscrews in artificial posterior maxilla and posterior mandible. This study also aimed at assessing the effect of bone density and screw design on these values. MethodsThree groups of self-drilling miniscrews obtained from three different manufacturing companies, having same diameters (1.4 mm) and lengths (8 mm) were used. All screws were inserted in artificial bone samples (Sawbones) and the maximum insertion and removal torque values were recorded with digital torque sensor. ResultsThere were significant differences, statistically, between maximum insertion and removal torque values of different groups of miniscrews. Insertion torque values in the posterior mandible were significantly higher than those in the posterior maxilla and the maximum insertion and removal torques were directly proportional to each other. ConclusionIt is suggested to perform a pre-insertion drilling due to the higher insertion torque in the posterior mandible, to maintain an acceptable range of maximum insertion torque and achieve primary stability without unnecessary bone damage. It is concluded that the screw design as well as bone characteristics have significant effects on the stability of the screw.