Removal of sublaminar wires after spinal fusion.
Eighteen patients who had had spinal fusion using Harrington rods with sublaminar wires underwent removal of the implants because of tenderness over the implants. There were no important complications. At final follow-up, no patient had a change in neurological function as compared with the preoperative assessment, and all reported relief of the preoperative tenderness. We concluded that the removal of rods and sublaminar wires from patients who have had a spinal fusion is clinically safe and effective.
Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Missouri Health Sciences Center, Columbia 65212.
S A
SA
Olson
R W
RW
Gaines
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001864:Bone Wires; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009984:Orthopedic Fixation Devices; D012086:Reoperation; D012600:Scoliosis / Q000601:surgery; D013123:Spinal Fusion / Q000295:instrumentation*; D013124:Spinal Injuries / Q000601:surgery