REMOVAL OF BROKEN SYNDESMOTIC SCREWS - A TECHNICAL TIP

A simple method of extracting broken distal tibial-fibular syndesmotic or cross-locking screws for intramedullary nails is illustrated. Afte r extraction of the head portion of the broken screw, a blunt impactor is introduced through the vacant screw hole and abutted to the remain ing portion of the screw tip. The screw can usually be impacted throug h the far cortex. A small incision should be made over the protruding portion, and the screw extracted with pliers.