Is Elective Implant Removal after Fracture Healing Beneficial? – A Prospective Cohort Study
https://doi.org/10.5704/MOJ.2211.010
- Author:
Yuan W
1
;
Chua THI
2
;
Kwek EBK
1
Author Information
1. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Woodlands Health Campus, Singapore
2. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
implant removal, cold weather pain, fracture
- From:Malaysian Orthopaedic Journal
2022;16(No.3):55-60
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Introduction: Elective implant removal following healed
extremity fractures remains controversial. This study aimed
to evaluate the reasons and outcomes of implant removal
after uneventful healing of limb fractures.
Materials and methods: This is a prospective single-centre
observational cohort study. Patients who sustained upper or
lower extremity fractures that were fixed and healed
uneventfully were included in the study when they elected to
remove the implants. Patients were followed for six months
post-operatively. Outcomes were assessed with patient
satisfaction, symptoms resolution, and complications.
Results: A total of 43 patients were recruited from October
2016 to March 2019. Thirty-six patients (37 implants) were
symptomatic. Pain and prominence were the most common
complaints, present in 59.5% and 33.3% of patients,
respectively. Cold weather pain was also not uncommon
(19.0%). Pain improved in 91.3% of the patients who
complained of pain. The 94.6% symptomatic patients had at
least partial resolution of pre-operative symptoms. All the
patients who completed follow-up were satisfied with the
procedure. In two patients, there were broken and retained
screws intra-operatively. Post-operative complication rate
was 23.8%, although no major complications occurred.
Conclusions: Implant removal after uneventful healing of
extremity fractures is a safe procedure that conferred a
predictable relief of symptoms and satisfactory outcomes in
most.
