Clinical Experience With the Screw Extraction Set for Broken Screw

Titanium plate systems are used frequently for bone fractures and postosteotomy fixation in craniomaxillofacial surgery. However, sometimes the head of the screw for plate fixation is deformed or the screw breaks in the bone. Screw removal can be difficult in these cases. In this study, we examined the utility of the Screw Extraction Set (Synthes Inc) in facilitating the removal of screws broken in craniomaxillofacial bones. In the past, we often encountered screw head sockets that had become deformed. In the removal of such a screw, the extraction screw tip did not engage well with the deformed screw head socket because the extraction screw tip was angled obtusely. Thus, its removal was difficult, and this method was clearly problematic. Using the Screw Extraction Set, the removal method for a screw broken in the bone was relatively easy. In particular, it was very convenient in removing broken screws in the mandibular angle and ramus, where surgery is difficult under direct vision. This system was thought to be useful for craniofacial surgeons if proper patient selection is performed.