How many times have you had to take off an old surgical bandage, only to find that the screws are no longer lined up and it is difficult to reattach them? A blog article talking about how a tool called the “Screw Gauge” can help you check whether your screws are loose or not.
What are surgical screws?
Surgical screws are small, metal rods that are inserted through a patient’s skin and into the bone to fasten it in place. Turning the screw can cause the bone to move in the opposite direction, which is why they’re used to hold bones in place during surgery. If surgical screws are loose, it could mean that the rod is not tightly fitted into the bone or that it has become loose over time.
How to Tell If Surgical Screws Are Loose
If you are noticing that your surgical screws are becoming loose, it is important to take action to correct the issue as soon as possible. A loose screw can cause significant damage to your tissue and can even lead to surgery being necessary. Here are a few tips on how to tell if your screws are loose:
- If the screws are crooked or unstable, they may be loose.
- If you feel any wobbling or movement when you try to move the screws, they may be loose.
- If the screws start coming out easily, they may be loose.
- If you can’t remove the screws, they may be loose.
- If your endoscopic surgery was performed by a doctor who is also a surgeon, they may be loose.
What should you do if you think your surgical screws may be loose?
There are a few things you can do to determine if your surgical screws may be loose. One way to check is to try and wiggle the screws. If they move more than a small amount, then they are probably loose. Another way to check is to check for rust or corrosion on the screw heads. If there is any sign of this, then the screws may be loose.
If you think your screws may be loose, it is important to contact your surgeon as soon as possible so that they can inspect the screws and decide what steps need to be taken to fix them.
Alternative treatments for loose screws
Surgical screws are a common cause of pain and discomfort after surgery. If you experience any of these signs that your screws are loose, it’s time to explore other options.
If one or more of the following signs is present, a surgical screw may be loose:
-Pain when pressing on the screw
-A movement when the screw is pressed in with your finger or a tool
-A clicking or grinding sound when the screw is moved
Conclusion
If you’re experiencing problems with your surgical screws staying in place, there are a few things you can do to check for loose screws. One option is to try and tighten the screw by hand; if it becomes loose after being tightened, then it’s likely that the screw is already too loose and needs to be replaced. Additionally, if you notice any changes in the appearance of your skin around the area where the screw was inserted — such as redness or swelling — it may be a sign that the screw has become loose. If you think that one or more of your surgical screws might be loose, Contact Us so we can evaluate the situation and recommend a course of action.
