ObjectiveTo explore the clinical feasibility and effect of minimally invasive treatment of accidentally sutured surgical drains after arthroplasty with orthopedic broken screw hollow saw, in order to provide a safe and convenient solution for clinical practice. Methods Between January 2016 and October 2023, the clinical data of 5 patients with accidentally sutured surgical drains after orthopedic joint replacement were retrospectively analyzed. There were 4 males and 1 female with an average age of 69.6 years ranging from 65 to 75 years. The hollow saw for broken screws in the orthopedic tool kit for broken screws was used to closely follow the drainage tube wall to the suture site for precise cutting operation without additional self-made tools or enlarged incision. By measuring the length of the extracted drainage tube and cross-checking it with the original record, while simultaneously examining the tube’s integrity to confirm the absence of any residue. Results The drainage tubes were successfully removed in 5 patients, and the removal process took 3-8 minutes, with an average of 5.4 minutes (excluding the time of instrument preparation and disinfection). After removal, all the drainage tubes were complete in shape, the measured length was completely consistent with the intraoperative depth record, and no fracture or residue was confirmed; no high-density foreign body shadow was found in the postoperative X-ray examination. There was no exudation or incision dehiscence after operation. All patients were followed up 24 months, and there was no sign of joint dysfunction, chronic pain or infection, and no complications related to delayed foreign body residues. ConclusionThe application of orthopedic broken screw hollow saw in the treatment of accidentally sutured surgical drains after orthopedic joint replacement has the advantages of simple operation, minimally invasive, short time-consuming, high success rate and no need for self-made tools.
