title: Technique Tip: The Use of Cannulated Drill as a Tamp to Remove Loose Cannulated Screws.
abstract: Subtalar arthrodesis is considered to be the gold standard surgical solution for end-stage subtalar joint arthrosis. Although subtalar joint fusion rates are high, nonunion has been reported to range from 0% to 43%. Revision subtalar arthrodesis regardless of etiology often requires removal of loose hardware in soft bone. The inability of screw threads to engage bone may result in longer operative time, frustration for the surgeon, and potential negative outcome for the patient. We describe a novel technique in which a cannulated drill bit is used as a tamp to remove subtalar arthrodesis screws. We have found this method to be efficient and safe and transferable to any extremity.
  
  
  METHODS
  Therapeutic, Level V: Expert opinion.
authors: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina (APM, GGS, SGP) Andrew.Matson@dm.duke.edu.
authors: Andrew P
authors: AP
authors: Matson
authors: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina (APM, GGS, SGP).
authors: Glenn G
authors: GG
authors: Shi
authors: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina (APM, GGS, SGP).
authors: Selene G
authors: SG
authors: Parekh
mesh_terms: D001174:Arthrodesis; D001863:Bone Screws; D020878:Device Removal / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D013380:Subtalar Joint / Q000601:surgery
keywords: cannulated drill; removal of hardware; revision technique; screw removal; subtalar arthrodesis