Orthopedic screw and method of use

• US 6,565,573 B1
• Filed: 04/16/2001
• Issued: 05/20/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 04/16/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Smith & Nephew Incorporated (Smith & Nephew PLC)
• Original Assignee: Smith & Nephew Incorporated (Smith & Nephew PLC)
• Inventors: Ferrante, Joseph, Black, Angie
• Primary Examiner(s): Robert, Eduardo C.
• Application Number:
  US09/836,811
• Time in Patent Office: 764 Days
• Field of Search: 606/72, 606/73, 606/104, 606/64, 606/70, 606/71, 606/60
• US Class Current: 606/62
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/72 Intramedullary pins, nails or other devices A61B17/744 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/861 specially shaped for gripping driver
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/863 with thread interrupted or changing its form along shank, other than constant taper
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/8888 at its central region

Abstract

This invention is directed to an orthopedic screw with a screw head, a screw body with distal tip, a shank with an enlarged diameter at the trailing end and a thread extending radially outward from the shank, and an internal capture surface. This invention also provides a system for use in an orthopedic surgical procedure including the screw, an orthopedic implant adapted to be secured in a patient with the screw, and a driver capable of engaging the internal capture of the screw. The invention further provides methods of using the screw, the system, and the screw and driver assembly.

Claims

1. An orthopedic screw for use in a surgical procedure comprising:

(a) a head;

(b) a body comprising;

a distal tip;

a shank extending from the head to the tip, the shank having a leading end adjacent the distal tip, a trailing end adjacent the head, and an intermediate section extending between the leading end and the trailing end,

wherein the trailing end has a first diameter and the intermediate section has a second diameter, and

wherein the first diameter is greater than the second diameter at least in part to accommodate an internal capture surface recessed into the head, the capture surface coaxial with the trailing end of the body; and

a substantially continuous thread extending along at least a portion of the body, the thread extending radially outward from the shank; and

(c) an internal capture surface recessed into the head and into at least a portion of the body, wherein the internal capture surface is adapted to receive a driver in order to secure the screw to the driver in a manner that allows the screw to stay positioned on the driver during manipulation of the screw, yet be released when desired,

wherein the screw further comprises a major diameter defined by the substantially continuous thread,

wherein the trailing end has a first major diameter and the intermediate section has a second major diameter,

wherein the leading end has a third major diameter, and

wherein the shank is tapered at the leading end, such that the third diameter decreases along the leading end in the direction of the distal tip, and the third major diameter remains substantially constant and is substantially equal to the second major diameter, such that the combination of the decreasing third shank diameter and constant third major diameter result in an increasing thread height of the thread along the leading end in the direction of the distal tip.

2. An orthopedic screw for use in a surgical procedure comprising:

(a) a head;

(b) a body comprising;

a distal tip;

a shank extending from the head to the tip, the shank having a leading end adjacent the distal tip, a trailing end adjacent the head, and an intermediate section extending between the leading end and the trailing end,

wherein the trailing end has a first diameter and the intermediate section has a second diameter, and

wherein the first diameter is greater than the second diameter at least in part to accommodate an internal capture surface recessed into the head, the capture surface coaxial with the trailing end of the body; and

a substantially continuous thread extending along at least a portion of the body, the thread extending radially outward from the shank; and

(c) an internal capture surface recessed into the head and into at least a portion of the body, wherein the internal capture surface is adapted to receive a driver in order to secure the screw to the driver in a manner that allows the screw to stay positioned on the driver during manipulation of the screw, yet be released when desired,

wherein the internal capture surface comprises;

a geometrically-shaped female socket adapted to receive a corresponding geometrically-shaped male end of a driver, and

a connecting structure adapted to connect to a corresponding connecting structure on a locking member of a driver, and

wherein the connecting structure comprises a generally circular groove adapted to function with a snap ring on a locking member of a driver, such that when the snap ring engages the groove the screw is secured to the driver in a manner that allows the screw to stay positioned on the driver during manipulation of the screw, yet be released when desired.

3. An orthopedic screw for use in a surgical procedure comprising:

(a) a head;

(b) a body comprising;

a distal tip;

a shank extending from the head to the tip, the shank having a leading end adjacent the distal tip, a trailing end adjacent the head, and an intermediate section extending between the leading end and the trailing end,

wherein the trailing end has a first diameter and the intermediate section has a second diameter, and

wherein the first diameter is greater than the second diameter at least in part to accommodate an internal capture surface recessed into the head, the capture surface coaxial with the trailing end of the body; and

a substantially continuous thread extending along at least a portion of the body, the thread extending radially outward from the shank; and

(c) an internal capture surface recessed into the head and into at least a portion of the body, wherein the internal capture surface is adapted to receive a driver in order to secure the screw to the driver in a manner that allows the screw to stay positioned on the driver during manipulation of the screw, yet be released when desired,

wherein the internal capture surface comprises;

a geometrically-shaped female socket adapted to receive a corresponding geometrically-shaped male end of a driver, and

a connecting structure adapted to connect to a corresponding connecting structure on a locking member of a driver, and

wherein the connecting structure comprises an indentation on an inside surface of the internal capture surface which is adapted to function with a ball plunger mechanism on a locking member of a driver, such that when the ball plunger engages the indentation, the screw is secured to the driver in a manner that allows the screw to stay positioned on the driver during manipulation of the screw, yet be released when desired.

4. A orthopedic screw for use in a surgical procedure comprising:

(a) a head;

(b) a body comprising;

a generally conical distal tip;

a shank extending from the head to the tip, the shank having a leading end adjacent the distal tip, a trailing end adjacent the head, and an intermediate section located between the leading end and trailing end,

wherein the trailing end has a first diameter, the intermediate section has a second diameter and the leading end has a third diameter, and

wherein the shank has a substantially cylindrical shape throughout the intermediate section and is tapered at both the leading and trailing ends such that the second diameter remains substantially constant along the intermediate section, the second diameter is greater than the third diameter, which decreases along the leading end in the direction of the conical tip, and the first diameter is greater than the second diameter and increases along the trailing end in the direction of the head, at least in part to accommodate an internal capture surface recessed into the head, the capture surface coaxial with the trailing end of the body; and

a substantially continuous thread extending along at least a portion of the body, the thread extending radially outward from the shank and defining a first, second, and third major diameters, which are generally coaxial to first, second and third diameters of the shank, wherein the first major diameter is greater than the second major diameter, and the third major diameter is substantially equal to the second major diameter; and

(c) an internal capture surface recessed into the head and into at least a portion of the body, wherein the internal capture surface is adapted to receive a driver in order to secure the screw to the driver in a manner that allows the screw to stay positioned on the driver during manipulation of the screw, yet be released when desired.

5. A screw according to claim 4, wherein the internal capture surface comprises:

(a) a geometrically-shaped female socket adapted to receive a corresponding geometrically-shaped male end of a driver, and

(b) a connecting structure adapted to connect to a corresponding connecting structure on a locking member of a driver.

6. A screw according to claim 5, where the geometrically-shaped female socket is in the shape of a polygon.

7. A screw according to claim 6, wherein the polygon is a hexagon.

8. A screw according to claim 6, wherein the polygon is a square.

9. A screw according to claim 5, wherein the geometrically shaped female socket is in the shape of an oval.

10. A screw according to claim 5, wherein the internal capture surface connecting structure comprises an axial bore extending through the bottom of the geometrically-shaped female socket and into at least a portion of the body, the bore further comprising internal threads around the circumference of the bore for engaging corresponding threads on a locking member of a driver.

11. A screw according to claim 5, wherein the connecting structure comprises a generally circular groove adapted to function with a snap ring on a locking member of a driver, such that when the snap ring engages the groove the screw is secured to the driver in a manner that allows the screw to stay positioned on the driver during manipulation of the screw, yet be released when desired.

12. A screw according to claim 5, wherein the connecting structure comprises an indentation on an inside surface of the internal capture surface which is adapted to function with a ball plunger mechanism on a locking member of a driver, such that when the ball plunger engages the indentation, the screw is secured to the driver in a manner that allows the screw to stay positioned on the driver during manipulation of the screw, yet be released when desired.

13. An orthopedic screw for use in a procedure for the fixation of an orthopedic implant in a patient comprising:

(a) a head adapted to countersink into a bone;

(b) a body comprising;

a generally conical distal tip;

a shank extending from the head to the tip, the shank having a leading end adjacent the distal tip, a trailing end adjacent the head, and an intermediate section located between the leading end and trailing end,

wherein the trailing end has a first diameter, the intermediate section has a second diameter and the leading end has a third diameter, and

wherein the shank has a substantially cylindrical shape throughout the intermediate section and is tapered at both the leading and trailing ends such that the second diameter remains substantially constant along the intermediate section, the second diameter is greater than the third diameter, which decreases along the leading end in the direction of the conical tip, and the first diameter is greater than the second diameter and increases along the trailing end in the direction of the head, at least in part to accommodate an internal capture surface recessed into the head, the capture surface coaxial with the trailing end of the body; and

a substantially continuous thread extending along at least a portion of the body, the thread extending radially outward from the shank and defining a first, second, and third major diameters, which are generally coaxial to first, second and third diameters of the shank, wherein the first major diameter is greater than the second major diameter, and the third major diameter is substantially equal to the second major diameter; and

(c) an internal capture surface recessed into the head and into at least a portion of the body, wherein the internal capture surface comprises;

a geometrically-shaped female socket adapted to receive a corresponding geometrically-shaped male end of a driver, and

an axial bore extending through the bottom of the geometrically-shaped socket and into at least a portion of the body, wherein the axial bore further comprises internal threads around the circumference of the bore for engaging corresponding threads on a locking member of a driver in order to secure the screw to the driver in a manner that allows the screw to stay positioned on the driver during manipulation of the screw, yet be released when desired.

14. A system for use in a procedure for the fixation of an orthopedic implant in a patient, comprising:

(a) an orthopedic implant which is adapted to be implanted in a patient and held in place by one or more orthopedic screws, wherein the orthopedic implant comprises one or more apertures adapted to receive an orthopedic screw for securing the implant to the skeletal system of the patient as desired;

(b) an orthopedic screw adapted for insertion into a bone and through an aperture in an orthopedic implant to secure the orthopedic implant to the skeletal system of the patient as desired, wherein the screw comprises;

(i) a head;

(ii) a body comprising;

a distal tip;

a shank extending from the head to the tip, the shank having a leading end adjacent the distal tip, a trailing end adjacent the head, and an intermediate section extending between the leading end and the trailing end,

wherein the trailing end has a first diameter and the intermediate section has a second diameter, and

wherein the first diameter is greater than the second diameter at least in part to accommodate an internal capture surface recessed into the head, the capture surface coaxial with the trailing end of the body; and

a substantially continuous thread extending along at least a portion of the body, the thread extending radially outward from the shank; and

(iii) an internal capture surface recessed into the head and into at least a portion of the body, wherein the internal capture surface is adapted to receive a driver in order to secure the screw to the driver in a manner that allows the screw to stay positioned on the driver during manipulation of the screw, yet be released when desired, and

wherein the shank is tapered at the trailing end, such that the first diameter increases along the trailing end in the direction of the head.

15. A system for use in a procedure for the fixation of an orthopedic implant in a patient, comprising:

(a) an orthopedic implant which is adapted to be implanted in a patient and held in place by one or more orthopedic screws, wherein the orthopedic implant comprises one or more apertures adapted to receive an orthopedic screw for securing the implant to the skeletal system of the patient as desired;

(b) an orthopedic screw adapted for insertion into a bone and through an aperture in an orthopedic implant to secure the orthopedic implant to the skeletal system of the patient as desired, wherein the screw comprises;

(i) a head;

(ii) a body comprising;

a distal tip;

a shank extending from the head to the tip, the shank having a leading end adjacent the distal tip, a trailing end adjacent the head, and an intermediate section extending between the leading end and the trailing end,

wherein the trailing end has a first diameter and the intermediate section has a second diameter, and

wherein the first diameter is greater than the second diameter at least in part to accommodate an internal capture surface recessed into the head, the capture surface coaxial with the trailing end of the body; and

a substantially continuous thread extending along at least a portion of the body, the thread extending radially outward from the shank; and

(iii) an internal capture surface recessed into the head and into at least a portion of the body, wherein the internal capture surface is adapted to receive a driver in order to secure the screw to the driver in a manner that allows the screw to stay positioned on the driver during manipulation of the screw, yet be released when desired,

wherein the screw further comprises a major diameter defined by the substantially continuous thread, and wherein the trailing end has a first major diameter and the intermediate section has a second major diameter, wherein the leading end has a third major diameter, and

wherein the shank is tapered at the leading end, such that the third diameter decreases along the leading end in the direction of the distal tip, and the third major diameter remains substantially constant and is substantially equal to the second major diameter, such that the combination of the decreasing third shank diameter and constant third major diameter result in an increasing thread height of the thread along the leading end in the direction of the distal tip.

16. A system for use in a procedure for the fixation of an orthopedic implant in a patient, comprising:

(a) an orthopedic implant which is adapted to be implanted in a patient and held in place by one or more orthopedic screws, wherein the orthopedic implant comprises one or more apertures adapted to receive an orthopedic screw for securing the implant to the skeletal system of the patient as desired;

(b) an orthopedic screw adapted for insertion into a bone and through an aperture in an orthopedic implant to secure the orthopedic implant to the skeletal system of the patient as desired, wherein the screw comprises;

(i) a head;

(ii) a body comprising;

a distal tip;

a shank extending from the head to the tip, the shank having a leading end adjacent the distal tip, a trailing end adjacent the head, and an intermediate section extending between the leading end and the trailing end,

wherein the trailing end has a first diameter and the intermediate section has a second diameter, and

wherein the first diameter is greater than the second diameter at least in part to accommodate an internal capture surface recessed into the head, the capture surface coaxial with the trailing end of the body; and

a substantially continuous thread extending along at least a portion, of the body, the thread extending radially outward from the shank; and

(iii) an internal capture surface recessed into the head and into at least a portion of the body, wherein the internal capture surface is adapted to receive a driver in order to secure the screw to the driver in a manner that allows the screw to stay positioned on the driver during manipulation of the screw, yet be released when desired,

further comprising a driver for manipulating the screw into the bone and through an aperture in the orthopedic implant, wherein the driver comprises;

(a) a driving member comprising a first end adapted to engage a conventional driving device and a second end adapted to be received within the internal capture surface of the screw and to engage the screw; and

(b) a locking member adapted to secure the screw to the driving member in a manner that allows the screw to stay positioned on the driver during manipulation of the screw, yet be released when desired.

17. A system for use in a procedure for the fixation of an orthopedic implant in a patient, comprising:

(a) an orthopedic implant which is adapted to be implanted in a patient and held in place by one or more orthopedic screws, wherein the orthopedic implant comprises one or more apertures adapted to receive an orthopedic screw for securing the implant to the skeletal system of the patient as desired;

(b) an orthopedic screw adapted for insertion into a bone and through an aperture in an orthopedic implant to secure the orthopedic implant to the skeletal system of the patient as desired, wherein the screw comprises;

(i) a head;

(ii) a body comprising;

a distal tip;

a shank extending from the head to the tip, the shank having a leading end adjacent the distal tip, a trailing end adjacent the head, and an intermediate section extending between the leading end and the trailing end,

wherein the trailing end has a first diameter and the intermediate section has a second diameter, and

wherein the first diameter is greater than the second diameter at least in part to accommodate an internal capture surface recessed into the head, the capture surface coaxial with the trailing end of the body; and

a substantially continuous thread extending along at least a portion of the body, the thread extending radially outward from the shank; and

(iii) an internal capture surface recessed into the head and into at least a portion of the body, wherein the internal capture surface is adapted to receive a driver in order to secure the screw to the driver in a manner that allows the screw to stay positioned on the driver during manipulation of the screw, yet be released when desired,

wherein the internal capture surface of the screw comprises;

(a) a geometrically-shaped female socket adapted to receive a corresponding geometrically-shaped male end of a driver, and

(b) a connecting structure adapted to connect to a corresponding connecting structure on a locking member of a driver,

wherein the connecting structure comprises an axial bore extending through the bottom of the geometrically-shaped socket and into at least a portion of the body, wherein the axial bore further comprises internal threads around the circumference of the bore for engaging corresponding threads on a locking member of a driver in order to secure the screw to the driver in a manner that allows the screw to stay positioned on the driver during manipulation of the screw, yet be released when desired, and further comprising a driver adapted to correspond to the internal capture surface of the screw and for manipulating the screw into the bone and through an aperture in the orthopedic implant comprising;

(a) a sleeve having a first end, a second end, and a cannulation therethrough,

wherein the first end is adapted to engage a conventional driving device, and the second end comprises a geometrically-shaped male end adapted to correspond to the geometrically shaped female socket of the internal capture surface of the screw and to engage the screw; and

(b) an elongated rod having a first end and a second end, wherein the rod is adapted to be inserted within the cannulation of the sleeve, and

wherein the first end is adapted to engage a conventional driving device and the second end comprises external threads adapted to correspond to the internal threads of the axial bore of the screw to secure the screw to the driver, such that when the rod is inserted into the sleeve of the driving member and screwed into the axial bore the internal socket of the screw is drawn securely against the driving member, allowing the screw to stay positioned on the driver during manipulation of the screw, yet be released when desired.

18. A system for use in a procedure for the fracture reduction of bones, comprising:

(a) an intramedullary nail adapted to be inserted into an intramedullary canal of a long bone to stabilize a fracture of the bone, wherein the intramedullary nail comprises one or more apertures therethrough adapted to receive an orthopedic screw;

(b) an orthopedic screw adapted for insertion into the bone and through an aperture in the intramedullary nail, wherein the screw comprises;

(i) a head;

(ii) a body comprising;

a generally conical distal tip;

a shank extending from the head to the tip, the shank having a leading end adjacent the distal tip, a trailing end adjacent the head, and an intermediate section located between the leading end and trailing end,

wherein the trailing end has a first diameter, the intermediate section has a second diameter and the leading end has a third diameter, and

wherein the shank has a substantially cylindrical shape throughout the intermediate section and is tapered at both the leading and trailing ends such that the second diameter remains substantially constant along the intermediate section, the second diameter is greater than the third diameter, which decreases along the leading end in the direction of the conical tip, and the first diameter is greater than the second diameter and increases along the trailing end in the direction of the head, at least in part to accommodate an internal capture surface recessed into the head, the capture surface coaxial with the trailing end of the body; and

a substantially continuous thread extending along at least a portion of the body, the thread extending radially outward from the shank and defining a first, second, and third major diameters, which are generally coaxial to first, second and third diameters of the shank, and wherein the first major diameter is greater than the second major diameter, and the third major diameter is substantially equal to the second major diameter; and

(iii) an internal capture surface recessed into the head and into at least a portion of the body, wherein the internal capture surface is adapted to receive a driver, secure the screw to the driver in a manner that allows the screw to stay positioned on the driver during manipulation of the screw, yet be released when desired.

19. A system, according to claim 18, further comprising a driver for manipulating the screw into the bone and through an aperture in the intramedullary nail, wherein the driver comprises:

(a) a driving member comprising a first end adapted to engage a conventional driving device and a second end adapted to be received within the internal capture surface of the screw and to engage the screw; and

(b) a locking member adapted to secure the screw to the driving member in a manner that allows the screw to stay positioned on the driver during manipulation of the screw, yet be released when desired.

20. A system according to claim 18, wherein the internal capture surface of the screw comprises:

(a) a geometrically-shaped female socket adapted to receive a corresponding geometrically-shaped male end of a driver, and

(b) a connecting structure adapted to connect to a corresponding connecting structure on a locking member of a driver.

21. A system according to claim 20, wherein the connecting structure comprises an axial bore extending through the bottom of the geometrically-shaped socket and into at least a portion of the body, wherein the axial bore further comprises internal threads around the circumference of the bore for engaging corresponding threads on a locking member of a driver in order to secure the screw to the driver in a manner that allows the screw to stay positioned on the driver during manipulation of the screw, yet be released when desired.

22. The system according to claim 21, further comprising a driver for manipulating the screw into the bone and through an aperture in the intramedullary nail, wherein the driver comprises:

(a) a sleeve having a first end, a second end, and a cannulation therethrough,

wherein the first end is adapted to engage a conventional driving device, and the second end comprises a geometrically-shaped male end adapted to correspond to the geometrically shaped female socket of the internal capture surface of the screw and to engage the screw; and

(b) an elongated rod having a first end and a second end, wherein the rod is adapted to be inserted within the cannulation of the sleeve, and

wherein the first end is adapted to engage a conventional driving device and the second end comprises external threads adapted to correspond to the internal threads of the axial bore of the screw to secure the screw to the driver, such that when the rod is inserted into the sleeve of the driving member and screwed into the axial bore the internal socket of the screw is drawn securely against the driving member, allowing the screw to stay positioned on the driver during manipulation of the screw, yet be released when desired.

23. A method of fixing an orthopedic implant in a patient comprising:

(a) providing an orthopedic implant which is adapted to be implanted in a patient and held in place by one or more orthopedic screws, wherein the orthopedic implant comprises one or more apertures adapted to receive an orthopedic screw for securing the implant to the patient'"'"'s skeletal system as desired;

(b) providing an orthopedic screw an orthopedic screw adapted for insertion into a bone and through an aperture in an orthopedic implant to secure the orthopedic implant to the patient'"'"'s skeletal system as desired, wherein the screw comprises;

(i) a head;

(ii) a body comprising;

a distal tip;

a shank extending from the head to the tip, the shank having a leading end adjacent the distal tip, a trailing end adjacent the head, and an intermediate section extending between the leading end and the trailing end,

wherein the trailing end has a first diameter and the intermediate section has a second diameter, and

wherein the first diameter is greater than the second diameter at least in part to accommodate an internal capture surface recessed into the head, the capture surface coaxial with the trailing end of the body; and

a substantially continuous thread extending along at least a portion of the body, the thread extending radially outward from the shank; and

(iii) an internal capture surface recessed into the head and into at least a portion of the body, wherein the internal capture surface is adapted to receive a driver in order to rigidly secure the screw to the driver in a manner that allows the screw to stay positioned on the driver during manipulation of the screw, yet be released when desired;

(c) providing a driver comprising

(i) a driving member comprising a first end adapted to engage a conventional driving device and a second end adapted to be received within the internal capture surface of the screw and to engage the screw; and

(ii) a locking member adapted to secure the screw to the driving member in a manner that allows the screw to stay positioned on the driver during manipulation of the screw, yet be released when desired

(d) implanting the orthopedic implant in a patient;

(e) drilling a hole in the bone which is aligned with an aperture of the orthopedic implant;

(f) inserting the second end of the driving member into the internal capture surface in the head of the screw;

(g) inserting the locking member into the internal capture surface in the head of the screw;

(h) coupling the locking member and screw by in a manner that draws the screw securely against the driving member, such that a rigid connection is maintained between the screw and driver during manipulation of the screw, yet allows release of the screw when desired;

(i) attaching a conventional driving device to the second end of the driver;

(j) inserting the tip of the screw into the pre-drilled hole in the bone;

(k) applying torque to the driving device to manipulate the screw into the bone and through the aperture in the orthopedic implant;

(l) securely seating the screw in the bone;

(m) disengaging the connecting configuration of the locking member and screw;

(n) removing the locking member from the internal capture surface of the screw; and

(o) removing the driving member from the internal capture surface to release the screw.

24. A method of repairing a bone fracture comprising:

(a) providing an intrameduallary nail adapted to be inserted into an intramedullary canal of a long bone to stabilize a fracture of the bone,

wherein the intramedullary nail comprises one or more apertures therethrough adapted to receive an orthopedic screw;

(b) providing an orthopedic screw adapted for insertion into the bone and through an aperture in the intramedullary nail, wherein the screw comprises;

(i) a head;

(ii) a body comprising;

a generally conical distal tip;

a shank extending from the head to the tip, the shank having a leading end adjacent the distal tip, a trailing end adjacent the head, and an intermediate section located between the leading end and trailing end,

wherein the trailing end has a first diameter, the intermediate section has a second diameter and the leading end has a third diameter, and

wherein the shank has a substantially cylindrical shape throughout the intermediate section and is tapered at both the leading and trailing ends such that the second diameter remains substantially constant along the intermediate section, the second diameter is greater than the third diameter, which decreases along the leading end in the direction of the conical tip, and the first diameter is greater than the second diameter and increases along the trailing end in the direction of the head, at least in part to accommodate an internal capture surface recessed into the head, the capture surface coaxial with the trailing end of the body; and

a substantially continuous thread extending along at least a portion of the body, the thread extending radially outward from the shank and defining a first, second, and third major diametes, which are generally coaxial to first, second and third diameters of the shank, and wherein the first major diameter is greater than the second major diameter, and the third major diameter is substantially equal to the second major diameter; and

(iii) an internal capture surface recessed into the head and into at least a portion of the body, wherein the internal capture surface of the screw comprises;

a geometrically-shaped female socket adapted to receive a corresponding geometrically-shaped male end of a driver, and

an axial bore extending through the bottom of the geometrically-shaped socket and into at least a portion of the body, wherein the axial bore further comprises internal threads around the circumference of the bore for engaging corresponding threads on a locking member of a driver in order to secure the screw to the driver in a manner that allows the screw to stay positioned on the driver during manipulation of the screw, yet be released when desired;

(c) providing a driver for manipulating the screw into the bone and through an aperture in the intramedullary nail, wherein the driver comprises;

(i) a sleeve having a first end, a second end, and a cannulation therethrough,

wherein the first end is adapted to engage a conventional driving device, and the second end comprises a geometrically-shaped male end adapted to correspond to the geometrically shaped female socket of the internal capture surface of the screw and to engage the screw; and

(ii) an elongated rod having a first end and a second end, wherein the rod is adapted to be inserted within the cannulation of the sleeve, and

wherein the first end is adapted to engage a conventional driving device and the second end comprises external threads adapted to correspond to the internal threads of the axial bore of the screw to secure the screw to the driver, such that when the rod is inserted into the sleeve of the driving member and screwed into the axial bore the internal socket of the screw is drawn securely against the driving member, allowing the screw to stay positioned on the driver during manipulation of the screw, yet be released when desired;

(d) implanting the intramedullary nail in the intramedullary canal of the long bone of a patient;

(e) drilling a hole in the bone which is aligned with an aperture of the orthopedic implant;

(f) inserting the geometrically-shaped male end of the driving member into the corresponding geometrically-shaped female socket of the internal capture surface in the head of the screw;

(g) inserting the locking member into the cannulation of the sleeve of driving member such that the second end of the elongated rod is inserted into the axial bore of the screw;

(h) rotating the locking member such that external threads on the second end of the locking member engage the corresponding internal threads of the axial bore of the screw, drawing the screw securely against the driving member, such that a rigid connection is maintained between the screw and driver;

(i) attaching a conventional driving device to the second end of the driver;

(j) inserting the tip of the screw into the pre-drilled hole in the bone;

(k) applying torque to the driving device to manipulate the screw into the bone;

(l) securely seating the screw in the bone;

(m) unscrewing the locking member to disengage the threaded end of the locking member from the corresponding threads of the axial bore of the screw;

(n) removing the locking member from the sleeve of the driving member; and

(o) removing the driving member from the internal socket of the head to release the screw.