Abstract
A missing screw-holder threatened cancellation of a case of facial trauma surgery. We present a simple makeshift tool using bone wax to improvise a temporary replacement for the screw-holder missing in our surgical instrument kit. This impromptu set-up is especially useful when operating in the field and faced with mass casualties.
Methods & Devices
An error led to the omission of screw-holders from our instrument kit; this was noticed midway through surgery for a mandibular fracture after initial fixation holes were drilled. After a frantic search for the missing screw holder proved futile, we improvised an impromptu screw-holder using the screwdriver and a ball of bone wax (Figure 1) to pick up and transfer screws (Figure 2). With delicate maneuvering, we were able to pick up, position each of the four screws into drilled holes, and secure a titanium miniplate for fracture fixation. Securing the plate this way took slightly longer than usual; however, we did not have to cancel the operation. Although we hope that no unit ever need to hold screws this way, this method may be kept in mind since bone wax is likely to be present in the operating theatre. Further, this method may be of some use when operating on large numbers of trauma cases in the field.
Small ball of bone wax. Bone wax adapted around screwdriver and screw head is sufficiently adhesive to hold them together while the screw is carried to the drilled hole.
Footnotes
Declaration of conflicting interests
None declared.
Funding
This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.