Removal of selected fracture fixation implants under local anaesthesia.
OBJECTIVE
This study was undertaken to evaluate the feasibility and tolerability of fracture fixation implants (FFI) removal under local anaesthesia.


METHODS
We reviewed 176 patients who had osteosynthetic materials inserted for the treatment of fractures and whose implants were removed under local anaesthesia. Pain and tolerance were determined using a pain severity score determined by the patients. About 60% of the implants were Kuntcher nails while 31% were Krischner wires. In 171 (97.2% ) patients the implants were removed under local anaesthesia while in 5 (2.8% ) patients with Kuntcher nails the procedures were difficult and painful which necessitated the use of intravenous ketamine.


RESULTS
About 89% of patients felt no pain during the procedures while 8.5% felt mild to moderate pain, which was easily tolerated.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of local anaesthesia for fracture fixation implants removal is recommended because it is simple and safe and reduced the cost and complications of treatment.
Ahmed
Adamu
A
Department of Surgery, Centre Hopitalier Regional de Hombo, Anjouan, Comoros Islands.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000772:Anesthesia, Local; D001858:Bone Nails; D001864:Bone Wires; D020878:Device Removal / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009984:Orthopedic Fixation Devices; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology; D019736:Prostheses and Implants