Later removal of auxiliary materials after operations on bone fractures

In the event of severe bone fractures, surgeons use materials such as screws, plates, nails and wires to stabilise the fracture and facilitate healing. These auxiliary materials either remain in the body after the fracture is healed or are subsequently surgically removed. Materials are removed if patients experience pain, difficulty moving, negative bodily feelings or wound infection, for example. This preliminary report investigates the effects of removing materials from patients in whom there is no medical necessity.

The preliminary report examined ten studies involving 410 patients. The picture was inconsistent. The use of different materials in different parts of the body, disparity in healing processes and varying periods of time before removal made comparison difficult. Although removing auxiliary material is a commonplace surgical procedure, there is currently no uniform recommendation for it.

Data from studies to date and the very small prospect of major cost savings do not justify the preparation of a full HTA report.

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Scoping report (PDF, 470 kB, 15.02.2019)

Stakeholder feedback on the scoping report (PDF, 279 kB, 15.02.2019)

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Last modification 15.02.2019

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Later removal of auxiliary materials after operations on bone fractures

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