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[Removal of plates and screws. Tips and tricks for problematic cases]
1Berufsgenossenschaftliche Unfallklinik Tübingen, Klinik für Unfall- und Wiederherstellungschirurgie, Eberhard-Karls-Universität Tübingen, Schnarrenbergstraße 95, 72076, Tübingen, Deutschland.
Background:
This overview article addresses the different ways of explanting plates and screws. Once the decision has been taken to remove plates and screws, the situation is resolved by skilled performance of surgical procedures.
Method:
In particular, tips and tricks are offered on how to deal with difficult explantations. In general, implant removal is straightforward and without complications. Special techniques, instruments, tips and tricks are important when implant removal becomes problematic due to screw damage, immovable implants, instrument breakage and suchlike.
Conclusion:
This article describes procedures that will put the surgeon on a direct route to implant removal. Keeping strictly to the pathway will inevitably turn problematic implant removal into a straightforward procedure.
