Bone weakness after the removal of plates and screws. Cortical atrophy or screw holes?

• DOI: 10.1302/0301-620x.73b2.2005156
• Publication Date: 2018-02-21T11:57:22Z
• Authors: J Rosson; J Egan; J Shearer; P Monro
• Keywords: Drill hole

Bone weakness leading to refracture is a recognised complication of the removal rigid fixation plates. We have used partially demineralised rabbit tibiae simulate atrophic changes and determine whether due atrophy or residual screw holes. Partial demineralisation hole each reduced maximum bending moment. However, energy absorbing capacity was little affected by demineralisation, but 50% single drill hole. Residual holes are considerably more important cause bone after plate than cortical atrophy.