A Retrospective Cohort Study on Using Fully Threaded, Cortical Screws in Locking SIGN Intramedullary Nails

The Surgical Implant Generation Network (SIGN) produces solid and straight intramedullary nails used for femoral or tibial fractures. These utilize interlocking screws with proximal distal threads to purchase at the cortices. When SIGN are unavailable, 4.5 mm, fully threaded, stainless steel, cortical sometimes lock nails. This study compared alignment, fracture healing, screw failure rates between cases which solely those incorporated screws. census from January 2018 August 2021 was reviewed. 79 were included in this study. 59 20 former group had acceptable alignment 91.5%, 3-4 bridging cortices by 12th week 81.4%, no 96.8%. latter 90.0%, 80.0%, 95.0% of cases. chi-square test showed significant difference outcomes two groups p= .836 .894 .745 failure. concluded that may be when unavailable.