Treatment of intraarticular fractures with modified herbert screws (analysis of 69 cases)

Sixty-nine patients with intraarticular fractures were treated with modified Herbert screws between August 1988 and December 1994. They were followed for an average of 20 months (range, 6 months to 4 years). The final results were assessed in terms of patient satisfaction, clinical examination, and radiographic findings. The success rate was 89.8% (62/69). There were no serious complications. The authors believe the advantages of the modified Herbert screw over the Arbeitsgemeinschaft für osteosynthesefrogen cancellous bone screw are many. The modified Herbert screw provides rigid internal fixation with strong purchase on the bone, so that additional immobilization in plaster is seldom required. It can be inserted through articular cartilage and appropriately buried beneath the articular surface. It is not necessary to remove the screw after bone union. This type of fixation can be widely used in the clinical setting.