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Time analysis for screw application: traditional lag technique versus self-tapping lag technique
J V Gonzalez1, B M Trout, R M Stuck
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Loyola Medical Center, Maywood, IL, USA.
Summary
This study compared surgical screw insertion times. A self-tapping lag screw significantly reduced procedural time compared to a traditional cortical screw, irrespective of surgeon experience.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic surgery
- Biomedical engineering
- Podiatric medicine
Background:
- Traditional cortical screws require overdrilling and tapping, potentially increasing procedural time.
- Self-tapping lag screws are designed to simplify insertion by eliminating these steps.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the procedural time of a 2.7-mm fully threaded cortical screw versus a 2.4-mm self-tapping lag screw.
- To evaluate the impact of physician experience on screw insertion time.
Main Methods:
- Four board-certified physicians and four residents performed screw insertions.
- Screws were placed through two 8-mm layers of Last-a-foam.
- Participants were timed over four weekly sessions, with four screws of each type placed per week.
Main Results:
- A statistically significant difference in insertion time was observed between the two screw types.
- The self-tapping lag screw demonstrated shorter procedural times compared to the cortical screw.
- Physician experience did not significantly alter the observed time differences.
Conclusions:
- The self-tapping lag screw offers a more time-efficient alternative to traditional cortical screws.
- This finding holds true across varying levels of physician experience.
- The results suggest potential benefits for operative efficiency in orthopedic and podiatric procedures.