It is now over ten years since the Herbert bone screw was first released in Australia. In 1984, Herbert and Fisher first published their experience with the use of this new bone screw in the management of scaphoid fractures. Since that time, there has been a growing interest in the technique and over 60 articles have appeared in the English literature. The purpose of this paper is to review and comment on the relevant publications as they relate to the biomechanical properties of the screw, to its use in the management of scaphoid fractures and to other applications in surgery of the hand.