An Innovative Broken Pedicle Screw Retrieval Instrument

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To introduce a new broken pedicle screw fragment retrieval instrument, and evaluate its clinical viability and effectiveness. METHODS: Following basic retrieval contrivance of broken pedicle screws described in literature, a new retrieval instrument was designed and developed; introducing its mechanism, technical components, and use. This innovative apparatus proved successful not only in saw bone and cadaver trials but in 10 clinical cases as well. RESULTS: This particular unique instrument successfully retrieves broken pedicle screw fragments through original passage backing out the screw with preservation of pedicle integrity while maintaining pedicle biomechanics. No complications were observed. CONCLUSIONS: With solid scientific theoretical planning and experimentation, the new retrieval instrument design proved clinical practicality and efficacy.