Implant Removal: Considerations in a Nigerian Teaching Hospital Setting

Abstract

Background: Orthopedic implants removal has several indications and may sometimes be a cause of controversy. Once there is union between ends of fractured bone, the implant stopped being important and can be removed. However, there are several considerations before and after removal including patient’s choice, giving back the implant to the patient. Our study aimed to identify various indications and considerations for implant removal in a Nigerian Teaching setting. Methods:  Data were extracted from the operation register and patients’ case folders on bio-data, diagnosis, type of surgical procedure, site of surgery, dates of surgery and removal of implant, indication for removal. Patients with complete medical record were included in this study. Results: A total of 12 patients were studied, with 2 males and 10 females.  There were 3 Pediatric patients aged 7, 10 and 18 months. Completion of therapy and peri-implant infection were the major consideration for removal of implants. We also found out that the most common implant at our setting was K-wire (41.7%) while femur bone was the major site of implant. Conclusions: Peri-implant infection, completion of therapy in case of pediatric patients were the major considerations for implants removal. The femur was the most involved bone, all patients saw the implant after removal and this was documented.