Implant removal of osteosynthesis: the Dutch practice. Results of a survey

Table 4 Various reasons for implant removal and its consequences based on surgeons’ opinions

	Answer^a
	*Yes* [%]	No [%]
What are reasons for you to remove metal implants?
Money maker	1	99^b
No specific reason	3	97
Bad experience leaving implant in	7	93
That's how I learned it	10	90
To avoid future surgical problems	30	70
To avoid future complications	42	58
Implant breakage	63	37
On patient's request	68	32
In case of children	84	16
In case of specific patient complaints	92	8
Infection	94	6
Which patient complaints can improve by removing metal implants?
Pressure of the skin or soft tissue	97	3
Pain	94	6
Limited range of motion	76	24
Swelling	59	41
Paresthesia	47	53
Problems with daily living	20	80

The numbers represent percentages of the total number of respondents (n = 250).
^a Percentages are derived from a total of 163 respondents who answered ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to this specific item.
^b 87 surgeons employed by contract did not provide an answer for the reason “money maker” because it was not applicable to their working situation.

ISSN: 1752-2897