A simple technique for removing a locking compression plate with a stripped locking screw.

We use a straightforward technique to remove a locking compression plate and a screw with a stripped hexagonal recess. If the hexagonal recess of the screw had been stripped during attempts at screw removal using a conical extraction device, we perform the following procedure after loosening the contact surface between the bone and the plate. Using a larger drill bit, another hole is drilled immediately adjacent to the screw through the nonlocking portion of the combination hole. The plate is struck along the line connecting the screw to the newly formed hole. Using an elevator, leverage force is then applied to the plate, which can be removed with the stripped screw attached. This technique can be used to remove plates with several stripped screws and does not require any special tools.