Effect of repeated cycles of steam sterilization on the integrity of cannulated surgical screws.

The process of repeated handling and steam sterilization of bone screws and allows debris to deposit on the surface and inside cannulated screws. Individually packaged screws could alleviate these potential problems. This research intended to evaluate the effect that multiple cycles of sterilization may have, if any, on the mechanical integrity of cannulated screws. The results indicate that the mechanical integrity of the screws tested was not compromised.