Hardware removal: indications and expectations

Although hardware removal is commonly done, it should not be considered a routine procedure. The decision to remove hardware has significant economic implications, including the costs of the procedure as well as possible work time lost for postoperative recovery. The clinical indications for implant...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inJournal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Vol. 14; no. 2; p. 113
Main Authors Busam, Matthew L, Esther, Robert J, Obremskey, William T
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.02.2006
Subjects
Device Removal - adverse effects
Device Removal - methods
Fracture Fixation, Internal
Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary
Humans
Hypersensitivity
Metals - immunology
Prostheses and Implants
Tibial Fractures - surgery
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Summary:Although hardware removal is commonly done, it should not be considered a routine procedure. The decision to remove hardware has significant economic implications, including the costs of the procedure as well as possible work time lost for postoperative recovery. The clinical indications for implant removal are not well established. There are few definitive data to guide whether implant removal is appropriate. Implant removal may be challenging and lead to complications, such as neurovascular injury, refracture, or recurrence of deformity. When implants are removed for pain relief alone, the results are unpredictable and depend on both the implant type and its anatomic location. Current literature does not support the routine removal of implants to protect against allergy, carcinogenesis, or metal detection. Surgeons and patients should be aware of appropriate indications and have realistic expectations of the risks and benefits of implant removal.
ISSN:1067-151X
DOI:10.5435/00124635-200602000-00006