title: An emergency multisystem screw removal module.
abstract: There are several practical indications for the removal of screws and plates from the reconstructive patient. For the craniomaxillofacial surgeon there exists a wide array of screw and plating systems available. As patients relocate, it is unlikely that individual hospitals have the full collection of rigid fixation systems in their inventory. Therefore, a universal screw removal system was designed to facilitate the elective and emergency removal of all existing craniomaxillofacial fixation hardware. This system is a self-contained module containing a single handle and 12 interchangeable screwdriver blades. The universal screw and plate removal system has been used successfully in several patients--children as well as adults--in whom hardware was removed.
authors.affiliation: Plastic Surgery Division, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 77555-0724, USA.
authors.forename: S J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Blackwell
authors.forename: J H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Miller
authors.forename: L G
authors.initials: LG
authors.lastname: Phillips
mesh_terms: D001863:Bone Screws; D006801:Humans; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation*; D012886:Skull / Q000601:surgery*