Orthopedic hardware in trauma - A guided tour for the radiologist - Part 1

Abstract

Most radiologists’ interpretations of postsurgical radiographs using orthopedic hardware are very brief and often incomplete, reflecting a lack of knowledge. This can often lead to missing early hardware associated complications. With the increasing number and variety of surgical options available for fracture management, it is imperative that radiologists familiarize themselves with the various hardware type to be able to give a meaningful interpretation and aid the referring orthopedic surgeons with their management. In the first part of this two-part series, we aim to introduce the various types of hardware used in the treatment of skeletal trauma to radiologists as a guide, while describing their types, indications, benefits, and usage. In the second part of the series, implant failure, its identification, and appropriate management will be described.