# Optimization of a Novel Thread Geometry for Various Orthopedic Surgery Applications

> **NIH NIH R44** · OSTEOCENTRIC TECHNOLOGIES, INC. · 2021 · $1,104,366

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
 The majority of threaded interfaces (screws) used in orthopaedics utilize a buttress thread design which has
limitations in clinical application. Clinically, orthopaedic screws must resist the dynamic forces generated during
common activities of daily living, yet buttress screws are not designed to resist multidirectional force, leading to
increased risk of postoperative complications including screw loosening and failure of fixation. Since the
modifiable variables of buttress screw designs—including thread pitch, depth, width and face angle—are
interrelated, attempts to improve screw functionality by altering these variables is limited. The challenge in bone
threaded surface interface is in the optimization of threaded surfaces that meet the loading scenarios at different
anatomic sites with varying bone stock, more often than not, one of poor bone quality.
 The development of innovative bone-screw-fastener technologies for the field of orthopaedic surgery is the
underlying focus of OsteoCentric, Inc., a small business based in Austin, TX. The company has designed,
manufactured and implemented a new bone-screw-fastener design, the Bone Interlocking Thread Geometry
(BITG), based on a technology that creates a circumferential interlocking interface that maximizes bone volume
and preserves bone architecture. The BITG overcomes many of the limitations of buttress screws by resisting
multidirectional forces and bending moments, minimizing radial forces, and allowing for higher finishing torques.
These enhancements can prevent fixation construct failure especially with cases with inadequate bone quality.
We have successfully developed and validated bone-thread-interface Finite Element (FE) models for three
loading conditions and have conducted a parametric FE analysis to optimize the BITG thread pitch geometry.
The SBIR Phase II proposal seeks to build on our early success by optimizing the thread geometry; testing it in
a large animal model; and optimizing the BITG thread manufacturing methodology. This will enable OsteoCentric
to market a clinically superior product that reduces the overall cost of implants to the healthcare system by
utilizing more cost-effective non-locking screws and plates. The specific aims of the Phase II are: Specific Aim
1: Conduct a comprehensive parametric analysis of the BITG using validated FE analysis to optimize cortical
and cancellous thread geometry for normal and osteoporotic bones. Specific Aim 2: Optimize methods of BITG
manufacturing to enhance cost-effectiveness and efficiency; build internal prototyping and manufacturing
expertise; and build an education package for outsource production manufacturers to streamline BITG
technology production. Specific Aim 3: Test the optimized BITG thread design against traditional buttress screw
using an ovine fracture model in both normal and osteoporotic conditions.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10324164
- **Project number:** 1R44AR079300-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** OSTEOCENTRIC TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
- **Principal Investigator:** Andrew Ray Fauth
- **Activity code:** R44 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $1,104,366
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2021-09-20 → 2024-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10324164

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10324164, Optimization of a Novel Thread Geometry for Various Orthopedic Surgery Applications (1R44AR079300-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-11 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10324164. Licensed CC0.

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