Removal of Broken Cannulated Drill Bit
Khaled F Al-Kharouf1, Kashif Abbas2, Syed Anjum2
1Emergency Medicine, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, GBR.
Cureus
|November 23, 2021
Summary
A novel technique safely removes broken orthopedic drill bits from bone without extra tools or incisions. This method uses a simple depth gauge to retrieve fragments, minimizing surgical trauma and time.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Surgical Instruments
Background:
- Drill bit fractures and dislodgement during orthopedic surgery are common complications.
- Existing methods for removing dislodged fragments often require additional instruments or secondary incisions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a novel, minimally invasive technique for retrieving broken surgical drill bits.
- To demonstrate a method that avoids the need for secondary incisions or specialized retrieval instruments.
Main Methods:
- A broken cannulated drill bit lodged in a femoral locking screw hole was retrieved.
- A depth gauge with a curved tip was used to hook the drill bit edge.
- The fragment was extracted through an established proximal reaming tract via rotational manipulation.
Main Results:
- Successful retrieval of the broken drill bit was achieved using the novel technique.
- The method facilitated safe and time-efficient removal through a 4mm reaming tract.
- The technique resulted in no additional soft tissue trauma or increased blood loss.
Conclusions:
- The described technique offers a simple, safe, and effective approach for removing broken drill bits in orthopedic surgery.
- This method minimizes patient trauma and surgical time, advocating for its use in similar clinical scenarios.
