What is the main application of a cortical screw?

A cortical screw is specifically designed to provide stability in bone fixation. Its primary application is to hold fractured bones together to ensure proper alignment during the healing process. These screws achieve this by engaging the dense outer cortex of the bone, creating a secure hold that prevents movement at the fracture site.

Cortical screws have a finer thread and a smooth shank compared to other types of screws, which helps them grip the hard cortical bone effectively. This characteristic makes them ideal for situations where a high degree of stability is necessary, such as in orthopedic surgeries to repair fractures or to stabilize osteotomies.

While other options touch on aspects related to bones and their treatment, they do not align with the specific function of a cortical screw, which is focused solely on providing fixation through secure anchoring in the cortical bone, ensuring the integrity and stability of the bone structure during the healing process.