What It Is and What It Is Used
For
The Wolverine CB is a cannulated (hollow-centre) bone screw
used in orthopaedic and trauma surgery for the fixation of small bones,
osteotomies, bone fragments, and articular fractures.
The cannulated design allows the screw to be advanced over
a guide wire that has been positioned under fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance,
enabling precise screw placement in small or anatomically complex areas.
Typical surgical applications include fixation in the hand,
wrist, foot, ankle, and around paediatric growth plates, where large implants
are inappropriate.
Surgical Use
For use by trained orthopaedic or trauma surgeons only,
using compatible guide wires, drills, taps, and driver systems from the same
instrument set. Aseptic technique is mandatory. Do not resterilise or reuse.
• Implant selection (size and
configuration) is based on fracture morphology, bone quality, and anatomical
requirements — determined by the operating surgeon
• Fluoroscopic guidance should be used
for guide wire and screw placement to confirm accurate positioning
• Compatible with standard cannulated
screw instrumentation systems — verify compatibility before theatre
|
⚠ |
CAUTION:
SINGLE
USE ONLY. Resterilisation or reuse of this device risks mechanical failure,
loss of fixation, and surgical site infection. Device reference
H7439403152500 must be recorded in the patient's implant log. |
Potential Complications
|
Frequency |
Side Effects |
|
Surgical (general) |
Pain, swelling, bruising at the operative site;
haematoma formation; wound infection |
|
Device-related |
Screw loosening, migration, or breakage;
failure of fixation; delayed bone union or non-union |
|
Serious — Seek Urgent Help |
Deep surgical site infection (increasing
warmth, redness, wound discharge, fever). Neurovascular compromise (numbness,
tingling, pallor, loss of sensation distal to operative site). Compartment
syndrome (severe pain refractory to analgesia — surgical emergency). |
Contraindications and
Precautions
• Active infection at or near the
surgical site
• Insufficient bone stock to support
fixation (e.g. severe osteoporosis)
• Known allergy to implant materials —
typically titanium alloy or stainless steel
• Not suitable for large diaphyseal
(bone shaft) fractures — inappropriate device for that application
• Caution near open growth plates in
paediatric patients — consult paediatric orthopaedic guidance
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🩺 |
PRESCRIBER NOTE: Patients on
anticoagulants or antiplatelet agents require peri-operative bleeding risk
assessment. Those on long-term corticosteroids or bisphosphonates may have
altered bone quality affecting screw purchase and fixation stability. |
Post-operative Guidance
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💬 |
PATIENT TIP:
Your
surgeon will advise on post-operative weight-bearing restrictions, wound
care, and rehabilitation. Keep the wound clean and dry. Attend all follow-up
appointments — your surgeon will check healing with X-rays. Contact the
hospital immediately if you develop increasing pain, redness, swelling,
fever, or wound discharge. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does 'cannulated' mean?
Cannulated means the
screw has a hollow channel running through its centre, allowing it to slide
over a thin guide wire placed in the bone under X-ray guidance. This allows the
surgeon to precisely control screw positioning before the screw is inserted.
Q: Is the screw removed after healing?
This depends on the
clinical situation and surgical judgement. Some screws are left in permanently
without problems; others are removed once the bone has healed, particularly if
they cause symptoms or are near a joint. Your surgeon will discuss this with
you.
Q: What are the signs of a complication I should watch for?
Contact your surgical
team promptly if you notice: increasing (not improving) pain after the first
few days, redness spreading around the wound, discharge or wound opening,
fever, or any loss of feeling or colour in the fingers or toes.