A Herbert screw is an instrument used in the internal fixation of an unstable scaphoid fracture. It is a headless screw with thread along its entire length. The two halves of the screw have a different pitch though, which causes compression of the fracture. They can also have cancellous threads on the one end and cortical threads on the other end with a smooth and unthreaded section in between.
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Indications
Unstable scaphoid fractures include:
displacement >1 mm
scapholunate angle >60o
radio lunate angle >15o
delayed/non-union
Disadvantages
ineffective in long-standing non-united scaphoid fractures
History and etymology
It is named after Timothy James Herbert (British Orthopaedic Surgeon) 2.
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