Orthopedic implant removal is a commonly performed procedure. While implant removal can be associated with improved symptoms, risks of the surgery are notable. Stripped screws, broken and retained hardware, and morbidity associated with soft tissue compromise during difficult removal are all common. Familiarity with the instruments is critical to procedure success. The purpose of this study is to assist removal of unfamiliar screws in upper extremity surgery by offering a reference for screw and driver compatibility across manufacturers. Inclusion of device manufacturers was determined by market share. Screw size, drive configuration, and screw removal system compatibility data was collected and recorded. Screw, guide-wire, and screwdriver compatibility was assessed and compared to two commonly utilized universal implant-removal sets. Eight upper extremity implant vendors were included. The data was compiled in table format according to manufacturer and sub-categorized to facilitate screw identification according to radiographically identifiable characteristics. The diversity of orthopaedic implants in upper extremity surgery requires careful preoperative planning to identify the appropriate equipment for implant removal. The goal of this work is to provide a centralized reference of commonly implanted screws, guide-wires, and drivers for the upper extremity to facilitate removal. Level of evidence: V
Cronin, P., Watkins, I., Riedel, M., Kaiser, P., Kwon, J. (2020). Implant Removal Matrix for the Upper Extremity Orthopedic Surgeon. The Archives of Bone and Joint Surgery, 8(1), 99-111. doi: 10.22038/abjs.2019.36525.1962
MLA
Patrick K. Cronin; Ian T. Watkins; Matthew Riedel; Philip B. Kaiser; John Y. Kwon. "Implant Removal Matrix for the Upper Extremity Orthopedic Surgeon". The Archives of Bone and Joint Surgery, 8, 1, 2020, 99-111. doi: 10.22038/abjs.2019.36525.1962
HARVARD
Cronin, P., Watkins, I., Riedel, M., Kaiser, P., Kwon, J. (2020). 'Implant Removal Matrix for the Upper Extremity Orthopedic Surgeon', The Archives of Bone and Joint Surgery, 8(1), pp. 99-111. doi: 10.22038/abjs.2019.36525.1962
VANCOUVER
Cronin, P., Watkins, I., Riedel, M., Kaiser, P., Kwon, J. Implant Removal Matrix for the Upper Extremity Orthopedic Surgeon. The Archives of Bone and Joint Surgery, 2020; 8(1): 99-111. doi: 10.22038/abjs.2019.36525.1962