A novel technique for removal of bone staples

Abstract

Bone staples are commonly used in knee epiphysiodesis. Removal of staples years later can be challenging, particularly where bony over-growth has occurred. Dissection and stripping of bone during removal risks damage to the surrounding structures. Our simple technique using common orthopaedic instruments allows safe and effective retrieval of bone staples. A bone hook is applied under the bone staple and an osteotome is introduced horizontally through the handle of the bone hook. Gentle backward blows are applied on to the osteotome handle with a mallet (analogous to using a slap hammer), lifting staples off the bone in a controlled manner (Fig 1). Figure 1 Bone hook inserted under staple, with osteotome passed horizontally through the handle of the bone hook. Mallet used to apply gentle blows backwards on to the osteotome handle.