We’re surrounded by screws wherever we go. These tiny tools are used to hold together our electronics, throughout our homes, and to hold our buildings together. But did you realize they can actually be used inside your body, too? Of course, most people would like to avoid this at all costs.
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Sometimes, when a patient has to have foot or ankle surgery, the surgeon will insert a surgical screw or implant into their body to make sure everything heals and stays together properly. This is just one example of the ways surgical screws can be used in the human body. There are so many questions surrounding these screws and implants, so if you’re curious about what they are, what they’re made of, and how they work, keep reading.
What Are Surgical Implants?
Implants are objects placed on or in the body for a medical or cosmetic purpose; screws used in surgery are specifically are used to hold bones together to strengthen ligaments and tendons. They can also be used to attach the tendons and ligaments to the bone or when the bone needs to be replaced altogether. Likewise, they can be used to hold dental implants in place.
What Are Implants Made Of?
If you are about to have foot or ankle surgery, your surgeon may offer you the option of two main types of surgical screws. These implants are grouped into biological and non-biological categories. The biological implants are made of a material that transforms into a scar and disappears as time goes on. They are used to primarily strengthen or replace damaged tissue. Non-biological screw implants are made from metal materials such as titanium. These implants won’t break down over time and are permanently placed in the body.
Do Implants Need to Be Removed?
Since biological implants tend to dissolve, people wonder if non-biological implants will need to be removed over time. The answer is no. The micro screws or tiny screws that are placed in your body don’t rust, move, or hurt your system. There is virtually no consequence of having these in your body. They won’t even set off the metal detectors if you go to the airport as they are very tiny and would need to be very large to be noticed. Even though they don’t need to be removed, your doctor may recommend taking them out after everything has healed.
How Are They Removed?
If you and your doctor do decide to have the screws removed, an incision will be made where the previous scar is. However, it’s important to note that the new incision won’t be as large as the first one. The surgeon will then go into the tissue and find the hardware. Once it’s reached, it will be removed and the incision will be closed.
Screws can be used for so many things around the home and in your daily life. In fact, the revenue of screw, nut, and bolt manufacturing in the United States reached $30 billion in 2017. While they are so useful in many common ways, it’s interesting to note that they can also be used in someone’s body. If you have to have miniature screws implanted into your body during a surgery, look at a few of the commonly asked questions listed above.