Can Facial Bone Pins Be Removed After an Accident?

Can the bone screws placed in the face be removed?

Hello doctor, I was in a car accident recently and had over ten screws placed in my face.
However, I can still feel the screws when I touch my skin.
I would like to have them removed.
Is this possible? Will there be any complications or side effects? Thank you, doctor!

Pei, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/01/02

Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics

You must ask the surgeon who performed your surgery, as some bone screws do not need to be removed, while others cannot be removed.

Reply Date: 2023/01/02

More Info

Yes, facial bone pins can often be removed after an accident, but whether or not they should be removed depends on several factors, including the type of pins used, the healing process, and the specific circumstances of your injury. It is crucial to consult with the surgeon who performed your procedure for personalized advice.

In many cases, pins and plates used in facial reconstructive surgery are intended to remain in place permanently. This is especially true if they are serving a structural purpose, helping to stabilize the bone as it heals. If the pins are not causing any discomfort, complications, or functional issues, your surgeon may recommend leaving them in place. However, if you are experiencing pain, discomfort, or if the pins are palpable and bothersome, your surgeon may consider removal.

The potential complications or sequelae from removing facial bone pins can vary. Some possible risks include:
1. Infection: Any surgical procedure carries a risk of infection. If the pins are removed, there is a chance that bacteria can enter the body, leading to an infection at the surgical site.

2. Nerve Damage: The face has many nerves that control sensation and movement. During the removal of pins, there is a risk of damaging these nerves, which could lead to numbness, tingling, or weakness in the facial muscles.

3. Scarring: Surgical removal of pins will leave a scar, which may be more or less noticeable depending on the surgical technique and your skin's healing response.

4. Bone Healing Issues: If the pins were stabilizing a fracture, removing them too early could lead to complications with bone healing, such as malunion or nonunion, where the bones do not heal properly.

5. Recurrence of Symptoms: If the pins were initially placed to alleviate pain or restore function, their removal could lead to a return of those symptoms.

In summary, while it is often possible to remove facial bone pins after an accident, the decision should be made in consultation with your healthcare provider. They will evaluate your specific situation, including the type of pins used, your healing progress, and any symptoms you may be experiencing. It is essential to weigh the benefits of removal against the potential risks and complications. If you are feeling discomfort or have concerns about the pins, do not hesitate to reach out to your surgeon for further evaluation and guidance.

Similar Q&A

Should You Remove Steel Pins After Humerus Fracture Healing?

After the car accident, I fractured my right humerus. After being stabilized with six screws and one plate for over a year, I want to have the screws removed. My attending physician said it may not be necessary to remove them because there are many nearby nerves, and there is a r...

Dr. Wang Shouji reply Orthopedics
Hello: Considering the risks associated with surgery, I also recommend that it may not be necessary to remove it, as scarring in the surrounding soft tissue after surgery can increase the likelihood of nerve injury. If nerve damage occurs, the potential for long-term complication...

Should Facial and Foot Fracture Hardware Be Removed After Surgery?

Hello, doctor. Recently, I was involved in a car accident and suffered fractures in my right face and right thigh, which were treated with screws and plates by different doctors. The doctor who treated my foot mentioned that since I am still young (21 years old), he is concerned ...

Dr. Chen Yongxue reply Orthopedics
Hello, metal nails and plates are considered foreign objects. In principle, they should be removed after the completion of staged tasks (bone healing). The reason is that several years later, if the body's resistance is low (such as in cases of dialysis or diabetes), there i...

How to Remove Surgical Pins After Radius Fracture Recovery?

Hello, Doctor. I sustained a fracture of the radius while playing basketball on April 30. I underwent surgery where two steel pins were inserted to realign the bone. There are two small wounds on the skin surface, and I can see the heads of the pins, but neither of the heads is p...

Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
Typically, bone screws can be removed in about six to eight weeks, but the decision depends on the degree of bone healing as seen on X-rays. If the screws are protruding through the skin, they can be removed directly in the outpatient setting using tools, and anesthesia may not b...

Can I Remove My Bone Pin Early? Understanding Risks and Options

Hello Dr. Shi: I had surgery for my clavicle fracture on July 10. Now the metal pin is about to break through the skin. Should I undergo another surgery to replace it with a plate, or should the pin be removed directly? I am unable to lift my arm and am concerned that another sur...

Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
If a fracture has already healed, it can be removed. If it has not healed but is pressing against the skin and may break through, it also needs to be removed. However, if the fixation is not secure, it can lead to nonunion, necessitating a repeat surgery. Nonunion of the clavicle...