Removal of broken pedicle screws - Technical note

The authors describe a simple, new method for removing broken pedicle screw s. Under microscopic visualization a straight, narrow slot is etched in the broken surface of the pedicle screw by using a power drill with a 2-mm dia mond burr. A minus screwdriver is then inserted into the slot, and the brok en screw is rotated and removed. There is no need to enlarge the screw hole around the broken screw or to use any special devices. The authors succeed ed in removing broken screws in two cases, and there were no complications. This method allows preservation of both the pedicle and the screw hole. Co nsequently, it is possible to insert new pedicle screws into the same hole without losing the strength and stability of pedicle screw fixation. The au thors recommend this simple and new method for removal of broken pedicle sc rews.