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Screwdriver Tip Breakage during Removal of 3.5 mm Locking Screw, an Unusual Complication: A Case Report

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Case Report | Journal of Clinical Orthopaedics | Vol 10 | Issue 2 | July-December 2025 | page: 116-118 | Ahmed A. Khalifa, Muhammad Khair Al Muhammad

DOI: https://doi.org/10.13107/jcorth.2025.v10.i02.796

Open Access License: CC BY-NC 4.0
Copyright Statement: Copyright © 2025; The Author(s).

Submitted Date: 19 Jul 2025, Review Date: 12 Aug 2025, Accepted Date: 10 Sep 2025 & Published Date: 10 Dec 2025

Author: Ahmed A. Khalifa [1, 2], Muhammad Khair Al Muhammad [2]

[1] Department of Orthopaedic, Qena Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, South Valley University, Qena, Egypt.
[2] Department of Orthopaedic, Aster Sanad Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Address of Correspondence
Dr.Ahmed A. Khalifa,
Department of Orthopedic, Qena Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, South Valley University, Qena, Egypt.
E-mail: ahmed_adel0391@med.svu.edu.eg

Abstract

Introduction: Hardware removal after orthopedic or fracture fixation surgeries, including locking plates and screws removal after fracture union, is a common practice; however, sometimes it is not as straightforward a procedure as it looks.
Case Report: We present a case of a male patient, 36 years old, who had a right tibial plateau fracture 2 years back, which was treated by open reduction and internal fixation using a locking 3.5 mm lateral proximal tibial plate. During hardware removal, we encountered an unusual complication: A breakage of the screwdriver tip.
Results: The screws were successfully removed after using a new screwdriver with no further complications.
Conclusion: Various unexpected circumstances might occur, such as damage or breakage of the screws heads or screwdriver tip, which hinders the complete removal of the hardware. The surgeon should be prepared with the proper tools to handle potential unusual situations.
Keywords: Hardware removal, Locking plates, Screws, Case report, Breakage.

References

1. Sandriesser S, Rupp M, Greinwald M, Heiss C, Augat P, Alt V. Locking design affects the jamming of screws in locking plates. Injury 2018;49 Suppl 1:S61-5.
2. Hak DJ, McElvany M. Removal of broken hardware. J Am Acad Orthop Surg 2008;16:113-20.
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How to Cite this Article: Khalifa AA, Al-Muhammad MK. Screwdriver Tip Breakage During Removal of 3.5 mm Locking Screw, an Unusual Complication: A Case Report. Journal of Clinical Orthopaedics. July-December 2025;10(2):116-118.

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Management of Chronic Palmar Distal Radio-ulnar Joint Dislocation of Wrist: A Case Report on Young Gymnast with 1-Year Follow-up

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Journal of Clinical Orthopaedics | Vol 7 | Issue 1 |  Jan-Jun 2022 | page: 64-66 | Parag Lad, Pankaj Ahire

DOI:10.13107/jcorth.2022.v07i01.475

Author: Parag Lad [1], Pankaj Ahire [2]

[1] Department of Orthopaedics, Pinnacle Orthocentre & Jupiter Hospital, Thane, Maharashtra, India

[2] Department of Orthopaedics, P D Hinduja Hospital and Medical Research Centre, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

 

Address of Correspondence
Dr. Parag Lad,
Department of Orthopaedic, Pinnacle Orthocentre, Chandanwadi-Charai Junction, Thane (401602), Maharashtra, India.
E-mail: orthodoc_p@yahoo.com

Abstract

Background: A palmar dislocation of distal radio-ulnar joint (DRUJ) is rare and causes gross functional restriction of pronation. It is certainly major cosmetic concern for the patient as keeps the forearm supinated because of dislocation. Usually, such injuries are caused due to high velocity trauma and fall on supinated hand. The literature is sparse on the management of palmar dislocation of DRUJ.

Materials and Methods: We present a case report on the management of chronic palmar dislocation in a 27-year-old professional gymnast trainer with 1-year follow-up. We describe the surgical technique of open reduction by palmar approach and reconstruction of triangular fibrocartilage complex ligament by suture anchor. The post-operative rehabilitation protocol is also mentioned in detail.

Results: The patient has 80° pronation and painless wrist range of movements at 1-year follow-up. She is able to perform all activities of daily living though not confident in weight bearing on affected wrist.

Conclusion: As per our knowledge, this is described for the 1st time about the management of chronic palmar DRUJ case in young gymnast. The restricted pronation is important sign of palmar DRUJ dislocation. The return of pronation gives immense satisfaction to the patient.

Keywords: Case report, palmar, chronic, DRUJ, dislocation, wrist, gymnast

References

  1. Xiao JY, Liu B, Li L, Shi HF, Wu F. Predictors for poor outcome for conservatively treated traumatic triangular fibrocartilage complex tears. Bone Joint J 2021;103-B:1386-91.
  2. Lee JK, Hwang JY, Lee SY, Kwon BC. What is the natural history of the triangular fibrocartilage complex tear without distal radioulnar joint instability? Clin Orthop Relat Res 2019;477:442-9.
  3. Kikuchi Y, Nakamura T, Horiuchi Y. Irreducible chronic palmar dislocation of the distal radioulnar joint–a case report. Hand Surg 2005;10:319-22.
  4. Paley D, Rubenstein J, McMurtry RY. Irreducible dislocation of distal radial ulnar joint. Orthop Rev 1986;15:228-31.
  5. Deshmukh SC, Wajid M, Thomas B. Matched distal ulnar resection for chronic, traumatic volar dislocation of the distal radioulnar joint. Orthopaedics 2001;24:169-70.
  6. Ridoux PE, Brientini JM, Garbuio P, Tropet Y. Traumatic isolated palmar dislocation of the distal radio-ulnar joint. Apropos of a case. Rev Chir Orthop Reparatrice Appar Mot 1996;82:255-9.

 

How to Cite this article: Lad P, Ahire P. Management of Chronic Palmar Distal Radio-ulnar Joint Dislocation of Wrist: A Case Report on Young Gymnast with 1-Year Follow-up. Journal of Clinical Orthopaedics Jan-Jun 2022;7(1):64-66.

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