The removal of a dislocated femoral interference screw through a posteromedial portal

Arthroscopy. 2005 Nov;21(11):1398. doi: 10.1016/j.arthro.2005.08.035.

Abstract

The intra-articular migration of a femoral interference screw is a rare complication after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction in the knee. Only a few reports of cases have been published within the last few years and different approaches toward this complication have been described. We report the case of a 23-year-old female patient who was admitted with knee pain after undergoing an ACL reconstruction 4 years previously. After the clinical examination, a knee radiograph in 2 planes revealed a dislocated femoral interference screw lying in the popliteal fossa. During arthroscopy, the interference screw was retrieved through an additional posteromedial portal to avoid an arthrotomy. The causes for intra-articular screw migration are multiple and most cases were reported in the early postoperative period. The arthroscopic removal of a screw is recommended because of the lower morbidity.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anterior Cruciate Ligament / surgery
  • Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries
  • Arthroscopy / methods*
  • Bone Screws*
  • Device Removal / methods*
  • Equipment Failure
  • Female
  • Femur / surgery
  • Foreign-Body Migration / diagnostic imaging
  • Foreign-Body Migration / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Knee Joint / surgery*
  • Postoperative Complications / surgery*
  • Radiography