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Suggest Treatment For Stuck Metallic Pieces In Patella

Posted on Wed, 21 Oct 2015

Question: I underwent a left quadriceps tendon repair last November 14, 2014. A recent MRI indicated that a distinct metallic artifact was present in the area of the patella where the tendon was repaired. My surgeon stated that its a result of a guide pin he used that shattered into microscopic bits while drilling through the patella from which the sutures were tied into. Is this a standard practice to use metallic pins that purposely shatter and remain in the body?

Answered by Dr. Aashish Raghu (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Common for breakage of Orthopaedic hardware. Not to worry.

Detailed Answer:
Hi there.

Welcome to Healthcare Magic.

Thanks for the query.

It is common for certain Orthopaedic hardware to get lodged into the bone while performing crucial procedures like drilling into our near the bone like breakage of guide pin, drill bit, tap etc.

It is very dangerous to get an MRI before getting an Xray of the operated region done because an undetected metal object can pierce the skin and come out during MRI procedure due to the string mangnet used.

If it is not causing any problem, nothing to worry. It will become part of the body due to fibrosis.

I hope I have answered your query.

I will be available to answer your follow up queries.

Regards,

Dr. Aashish Raghu

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D