Determining the Benefits, Risk, and Alternatives
Implants can be used for a variety of surgical procedures.
Intramedullary rods, pins, and other implants do not help bones to heal faster.
This article looks at the reasons for why it may be appropriate to remove these implants.
Verywell / Laura Porter
Their removal should never be considered a part of routine care.
However, there are exceptions.
Syndesmotic Screws
Some healthcare providers will recommend the removal ofsyndesmoticscrews used forhigh ankle sprains.
Infection
Infection is a medical indication for implant removal.
It is often hard to treat an infection that is in or on a non-organic surface.
Thats the case with materials like metal, ceramic, or plastic.
For this reason, removing the implant may offer the best chance to resolve an infection.
Metal Irritation
Some people experience pain or pressure at the site where an implant was inserted.
This may be one of the signs ofmetal irritation, and it too can lead to having implants removed.
The metal elements in some implant products can cause irritation to the nearby tissues.
Removal of the metal may be whats needed to treat the irritation.
If the pain is more generalized, it may be more difficult to tell if removal will work.
Recap
There are reasons for why you and your healthcare provider might consider removing an implant.
Screws, rods, or other implants used during orthopedic surgery can cause infection.
People who have implants also may report pain and irritation at the site where the implants were placed.
Its possible, and may even be necessary, to have another surgery to remove them.
Removing Metal Implants
The actual process of removing an implant is itself complex.
This is especially true of deep implants that have been in place for a long time.
Fractures have been known to occur soon after surgical removal.
This is because the weakened bone collapses into the drilled hole spaces used for the implant.
This is a notable concern in leg or hip bones that have to bear body weight.
Any implant removal should never be taken lightly.
There aresurgical risksthat may include:
The removal of an implant may weaken the bone.
It also may not work to reduce any pain.
Sometimes, though, people report pain and irritation at the site of the implant.
They may feel a grinding in their joint or irritation where the implant rubs below the skin.
Removal itself requires more surgery and comes with its own risks, including infection.
Its also an option that doesnt always work.
Your healthcare provider will need to assess whether an implant removal is likely to succeed.
Thats what happens in most cases, but not always.
If youre discouraged by the results, talk to your orthopedic surgeon about your options.
It may be possible or even necessary to have the implant removed.
2021;103(22):2089-2095. doi:10.2106/JBJS.20.02231
