Omer ersen1, Harun Yasin Tuzun2, aHmeT meTin Ozsezen1, aHmeT Burak Bilekli1, kenan kOca1, musTafa kurklu2
1Gulhane Research and Education Hospital, Department of Orthopedics, Ankara, Turkey - 2Gulhane Research and Education Hos- pital, Department of Hand Surgery, Ankara, Turkey
Introduction: Implant removal surgery became a common procedure in orthopedics due to increase in internal fixation of frac- tures to obtain early mobilization. The aim of this study is to present indications, epidemiological results, difficulties, and complications of implant removal procedure.
Materials and methods: Between January and December 2016 all implant removal operations performed in our clinic were evaluated. Localization of the implant, type of the implant, indications of implant removal surgery, interval between fixation and remov- al surgeries, operation time, incisions, type of anesthesia, difficulties during surgery and complications were listed.
Results: A total of 192 patients and 218 implant removal surgeries enrolled in the study. The rate of extended incisions were 17%, the rate of different incisions were 4% for all implant removal surgeries while the others were performed with previous incisions. In children, most common indication for implant removal surgery was age and growing skeleton. Range of motion loss, skin and soft tissue irritation, pain and tenosynovitis were common causes of removal for adults. Complication rate of children was 11% while it was 23% for adults. Bony overgrowth, difficulty of implant accessibility, damaged screw recess, jammed screws and breakage of implants was recorded difficulties during implant removal surgery.
Conclusion: Orthopedic implant removal takes a big portion in daily orthopedic practice. Surgeons should be aware of difficul- ties and complications of this procedure and determine the indications carefully.
implant removal, orthopedic hardware, complications, internal fixation.
10.19193/0393-6384_2019_2_124