Lag screw is a heavy-duty fastener with coarse threads that grip into wood, making it well-suited for holding heavy materials together in construction applications. Typically, lag screws are long and thicker than standard wood screws, but they can also be smaller in diameter and length. They are more versatile than wood screws and can be used in a wide range of applications, from securing decking to securing timber retaining walls and overhead garage doors. Despite their versatility, they require some extra care when installing to ensure they are secure and durable.
Aside from their use in the field of construction, lag screws are commonly found at home. The most common use is for fastening pieces of lumber or other heavy materials together. They can be fastened into place with a wrench or impact driver, but it’s important to pre-drill a hole to avoid damaging the materials you are trying to fasten. Creating a pilot hole with a drill bit that is slightly smaller than the size of your lag bolt will ensure it binds with the material, preventing the screw from becoming loose or breaking. It’s also important to make sure the pilot hole you create spans the distance from where you are going to begin the screw down to where you’ll be stopping it.
While there are many different types of fasteners available, lag screws have become the preferred option for professionals working with heavy materials due to their durability and strength. They can withstand significant amounts of stress and are much more durable than standard wood screws. In addition, lag bolts are able to withstand higher loads than other types of fasteners because of their large hex heads.
The goal of this study is to evaluate the stability and interfragmentary compression achieved by lag screw fixation for mandibular fractures. Lag screws are ideal for achieving this compression because of their superior mechanical properties and ability to be driven into the fractured bone with little force, thus minimizing damage to the underlying structures. The insertion of lag screws is easy to perform through intraoral incisions, eliminating the need for excessive dissection that is required for extraoral approaches.
A case report of a hip fracture treated with a third-generation short Gamma nail (Stryker, Kalamzoo, USA) and a lag screw for stabilization is presented. This complication is rare, and the cause of this problem can be attributed to improper placement and tightening of the lag screw in the trochanteric bone. This is a case that highlights the importance of proper patient selection and surgeon experience when using Gamma nails, as well as ensuring that the screws are properly placed and tightly secured. Further research is needed to evaluate this complication, and its prevention, in order to optimize the results of lag screw fixation for maxillofacial fractures.