Orthofix TrueLok, Instruction Leaflet

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XCaliber bone screws are usually cut to length, either before insertion or after they have been inserted, the
clamp applied and the clamp locking screws firmly tightened. They should never be cut after insertion and
prior to application of the clamp, since some of the cutting force might be transferred to the bone.
XCaliber bone screws are self-drilling. In cancellous bone, direct insertion using a hand drill or T-wrench is
recommended; in diaphyseal bone it is recommended that pre-drilling be performed. If the bone is strong,
use the 4.8mm drill bit and drill guide; where the bone is of poor quality or in the metaphyseal region, where
the cortex is thin, use a 3.2mm drill bit.
• TRUELOK SCREWS (HALF PINS)
TrueLok HALF PINS SHOULD BE USED ONLY WITH THE TrueLok SYSTEM
TrueLok screws are not tapered and have a thread that has the same diameter throughout.
TrueLok screws are available in 4, 5, and 6mm diameters, each having a total length of 180mm and a thread
length of 55mm. If the screw has to be inserted in areas wider than 50mm, XCaliber bone screws should be
used. TrueLok screws are self-drilling, self-tapping, and have a standard quick connect end for ease of use in
the operating room.
The following steps outline the recommended method of screw insertion and fixation:
1. A half pin fixation bolt is inserted into an appropriate hole of the ring.
The half pin fixation bolt acts as a guide for half pin insertion.
2. A K-wire is passed through the hole of the fixation bolt along the intended direction of the half pin
insertion. Make a stab incision in the skin at this level
3. Use scissors or hemostats to make a track through the soft tissues to the bone with blunt dissection only.
4. The desired half pin is inserted through the fixation bolt and soft tissue track, and drilled into the first
bony cortex. Insertion through the second cortex should be done manually using the dedicated Orthofix
T-wrench.
5. The half pin fixation bolt is then secured firmly to the external support with a nut.
If TrueLok screws are cut to length, screw covers should be used to protect the cut end. TrueLok screws which
have been cut to length could be removed manually with the Universal Chuck with T-Handle (17955) or with
a power drill.
Care should be taken of the soft tissues during screw or wire insertion. Never insert a K-wire more than once,
since the tip can be blunted, and excessive heating of the bone might occur.
Use suitable Orthofix tools to correctly insert bone screws and K-wires.
Wherever a K-wire or a guide wire is used to guide a cannulated reamer, a drill bit or a screw into position:
a) Always use NEW K-wire or wire guides.
b) The wire should always be checked prior to insertion in order to exclude the presence of scratches or bends.
c) The surgeon must check the tip of the wire as frequently as possible during the introduction of any tool or
device onto a wire, so as to avoid the wire being inadvertently inserted more than is necessary.
d) Each time a tool or device is handled, the surgeon must check that no bone or other residues have
accumulated on the wire or in the tool or device, which might force the wire forward.
• K-WIRE INSERTION
When used with a ring, regardless of whether operating on a hybrid or circular system:
a) K-wires should be introduced from the side of greatest soft tissue risk.
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