title: Removal of metal implants after fracture surgery--indications and complications.
abstract: In a study of 297 internal fixation operations for fractures or joint injuries performed during 1982, a second operation for implant removal was undertaken in 42% of cases. Significant complications occurred following the second procedure in 19%. Implants which were retained did not give rise to appreciable problems. It is suggested that implants should only be removed when there are clear clinical indications for doing so.
authors: Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh, UK.
authors: R M
authors: RM
authors: Brown
authors: E F
authors: EF
authors: Wheelwright
authors: J
authors: J
authors: Chalmers
mesh_terms: D001134:Arm Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004868:Equipment Failure; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000295:instrumentation*; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007869:Leg Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D008670:Metals; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000601:surgery*; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D012086:Reoperation; D012189:Retrospective Studies
chemical_list: D008670:Metals