SECOND SURGERY TO REMOVE SCREWS

I recently saw an X-ray of the large screw placed in my son’s ankle for a torn ligament. We’ve been informed that a second surgery will be necessary to remove it once healing is complete. Is there a way to avoid this additional procedure?

Metal plates and screws are commonly used to stabilize bones during healing, but they often require a second operation for removal. Even before this second surgery, there is a risk that the screw could loosen or break.

Researchers are exploring bioabsorbable screws made from new materials that gradually dissolve and are absorbed by the body, potentially eliminating the need for removal. However, issues such as infection and bone breakdown around the screw, even with bioabsorbable options, are still being studied.

Brian Thornes, FRCSI, et al. “Suture-Button Syndesmosis Fixation.” Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research, February 2005, Vol. 431, pp. 207-212.