Removal of Surgical Orthopedic Implants Orthopedic surgery often involves implants to treat damage to a bone. Orthopedic Implants may also be used for reconstructing an injured joint, repairing a fractured bone, or changing the skeleton alignment. Implants help broken bones to heal in correct alignment. While these ortho implants don’t help the bone heal earlier, they can help to fix and stabilize bones in the correct position enabling it to heal. Implants can be Bone plates and bone screws, intramedullary nails, and pins inserted into the cavity of a bone.
While the implants are typically intended to facilitate bone healing, its continuance in the body after the bone union has taken place needs to be evaluated. Its removal may be considered suitable and even necessary. Indications Implants may remain in the body without any damage or consequences, but their removal would never be considered a part of "routine" care. Removal can be indicated if there are signs of metal irritation, together with pain and pressure at the site of insertions. The doctor would want to determine if the implant is causing the problem or if there is some other cause.