A small, threaded, non-bioabsorbable, implantable rod intended for internal orthopaedic fixation by being screwed into a limb bone, rib, the sternum and/or pelvis to hold a plate, nail, rod or prosthesis to the bone, or to provide direct interfragmentary stabilization of a fractured bone; it is not intended to be introduced through the sleeve of a femoral neck fixation plate/sleeve, not used in dentistry/orthodontics, craniofacial or spinal bones, and not dedicated to intramedullary fixation/arthrodesis. It is typically of cortical or cancellous design and has a drive (e.g., slot, cross, star, polygonal) at its proximal end for introduction with a screwdriver.
medline.com