Which device applies controlled torque to screws?

Which device applies controlled torque to screws?

• A. Needle holders
• B. Torque ratchet
• C. Suture scissors
• D. Screw tap

Answer: (B)

Controlling torque when tightening screws is essential to prevent overtightening and damage to threads or surrounding tissue. A torque ratchet is designed to deliver a pre-set amount of turning force: you set the torque on the instrument, and as you tighten, the tool either clicks or slips once the preset value is reached, stopping further tightening. This makes it the tool of choice for achieving consistent, safe screw fixation. By contrast, needle holders are meant for grasping needles during suturing, not regulating turning force; suture scissors are used to cut sutures; a screw tap is used to cut internal threads in a hole for a screw, not to apply torque to a screw. So the device that applies controlled torque to screws is the torque ratchet.

Controlling torque when tightening screws is essential to prevent overtightening and damage to threads or surrounding tissue. A torque ratchet is designed to deliver a pre-set amount of turning force: you set the torque on the instrument, and as you tighten, the tool either clicks or slips once the preset value is reached, stopping further tightening. This makes it the tool of choice for achieving consistent, safe screw fixation.

By contrast, needle holders are meant for grasping needles during suturing, not regulating turning force; suture scissors are used to cut sutures; a screw tap is used to cut internal threads in a hole for a screw, not to apply torque to a screw. So the device that applies controlled torque to screws is the torque ratchet.