Minimally Invasive Removal of Shrapnel Using a Tubular Retractor System

Minimally Invasive Removal of Shrapnel Using a Tubular Retractor System

Author Info

Corresponding Author
Donald A. Ross
Section of Neurological Surgery, Operative Care Division, Portland Veterans, Portland, Oregon, USA

A B S T R A C T

Background: The removal of small, metallic shrapnel fragments can be challenging, but may be indicated for pain, migration, infection, toxicity, etc. Methods: We report the novel use of minimally invasive spine surgery technology to remove a shrapnel fragment deep into the scapula. Results: Use of fluoroscopy and a 16 mm minimally invasive spine surgery tubular retractor allowed removal of the fragment in 30 minutes as an outpatient with good results. Conclusion: Minimally invasive spine surgical technology could be useful for removal of shrapnel fragments from the calf, thigh, buttocks and torso.

Article Info

Article Type
Case Report
Publication history
Received: Mon 28, Dec 2020
Accepted: Wed 13, Jan 2021
Published: Fri 29, Jan 2021
Copyright
© 2023 Donald A. Ross. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited. Hosting by Science Repository.
DOI: 10.31487/j.SCR.2021.01.16