STUDY DESIGN Retrospective case series. OBJECTIVE Short posterior stabilization with vertebroplasty is one treatment option for thoracolumbar burst fractures (AO A3). Whether it avoids progression in segmental kyphosis, especially after implant removal, is unclear. In a retrospective case-control study, its stability and the effect on intervertebral discs with and without implant removal was ...

BACKGROUND Hardware removals are among the most commonly performed surgical procedures worldwide. Current literature offers little data concerning postoperative patient satisfaction. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the patients' point of view on implant removal. METHODS We surveyed patients of a German level one trauma center, who underwent hardware removal in 2009 and 2010, with reg...

Although hardware removal is commonly done, it should not be considered a routine procedure. The decision to remove hardware has significant economic implications, including the costs of the procedure as well as possible work time lost for postoperative recovery. The clinical indications for implant removal are not well established. There are few definitive data to guide whether implant removal...

BACKGROUND The routine removal of orthopaedic fixation devices after fracture healing remains an issue of debate. There are no evidence-based guidelines on this matter, and little is known on surgeons' practice and perceived effectiveness of implant removal in different clinical settings. METHODS A 41-item questionnaire was distributed to 730 attendees of the AO Principles and Masters Courses...

BACKGROUND CONTEXT Spinal implants are occasionally removed due to infection or soft tissue irritation secondary to prominence. Several studies have reported loss of scoliotic curve correction after implant removal. However, further review of the literature reveals no similar cases of rapid curve progression following implant removal in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) necess...

I read the letter on ‘Early implant removal: an ethical dilemma’ by Bari et al. in the January 2013 issue of the Journal with interest, a great feeling of disappointment and I shared the feelings of alarm with the authors. The piece reported a 29-year-old woman who was so dissatisfied with her subdermal implant that she attempted removal herself without anaesthetic and she broke the device. She...

BACKGROUND The ganciclovir implant (Vitrasert; Bausch & Lomb Inc, Claremont, Calif) has been a useful device in the management of cytomegalovirus retinitis. Seven months after placement, implant exchange is often considered. However, removal may be difficult and may result in vitreous hemorrhage or intraocular dislocation. OBJECTIVE To describe a suture loop attached to the implant strut and ...

IUD) is thought to act immediately by inhibiting sperm and ovum viability or preventing implantation.2 The LNG-IUS has a different contraceptive mechanism of action that relies on hormonal effects on the endometrium, cervical mucus and uterotubal transport, and thus has a delayed onset.2,3 This is the rationale for advising additional contraception for 7 days if a LNG-IUS is inserted after Day ...

Use of contraceptive implants has surged in recent years, yet emerging data show a deficit of service delivery capacity and coverage for implant removals. The number of projected removals needed in the 69 FP2020 focus countries in 2018 (4.9–5.8 million) is more than twice that estimated for 2015 (2.2 million). We must proactively plan and execute high-quality implant removal services in order t...