How to Remove the Screws From Orthopedic Devices

Orthopedic devices are meant to support injured bones and enable healthy healing. Orthopedic devices can be internal, like screws and plates, or external, like devices for the forearm and shin. Screws are important because bone heals better when held firmly together. There are two types of commonly used screws. Cortical screws have fine threads along the entire shaft, intended to anchor directly into the outer, dense part of bone, called cortical bone. Cancellous screws have coarser threads and a longer, smooth portion. These screws anchor into the inner bone, called the cancellous, which is softer and looks spongelike.

Instructions

• 1

  Research your case. There is a hot medical debate about whether it is beneficial or detrimental to remove orthopedic hardware after a fracture is healed --- the results differ for each patient. Removal procedure prices range from $4,500 to $14,000, plus lost income for recovery, surgery pain and risk of infection.

• 2

  Meet with your doctor to discuss your specific case. A study by Fissel and Watson presented at the 2007 American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Annual Meeting found that 68 percent of patients reported symptom relief after hardware removal.

  A study by Minkowitz et al. published in a 2007 issue of "The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery" found that removal of hardware is safe with minimal risk, and more than half of the patients reported being pain-free one year after removal.

  Your doctor will take X-rays of the area in question to assess your possibilities. Sometimes years of bone growth around an orthopedic device can complicate removal surgery. The doctor will also assess the strength of your bone without the support of the device.

• 3

  Make an educated decision. If you decide to undergo removal surgery, your doctor will begin surgery by cutting into the appropriate area and then spend a significant time cutting through muscle and clamping blood vessels. Once the orthopedic device is reached, the surgeon can use a manual or electric screwdriver to remove the device. Similar to flathead or Phillips screwdrivers, there are cancellous or cortical drill bits.

• 4

  Monitor your incisions post-surgery for signs of infection including fever, muscle soreness, fatigue, puss and strong odor.