The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Vol 69, Issue 9 1419-1423, Copyright © 1987 by Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Inc
Removal of sublaminar wires after spinal fusion
SA Olson and RW Gaines
Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Missouri Health Sciences Center, Columbia 65212.
Eighteen patients who had had spinal fusion using Harrington rods with
sublaminar wires underwent removal of the implants because of tenderness
over the implants. There were no important complications. At final
follow-up, no patient had a change in neurological function as compared
with the preoperative assessment, and all reported relief of the
preoperative tenderness. We concluded that the removal of rods and
sublaminar wires from patients who have had a spinal fusion is clinically
safe and effective.