How Easy Are Titanium Iliac Crest Implants To Remove?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I’ve been reading about hip augmentations specifically iliac crest implants, and the silicones ones you’ve been offering. My question is, do you think the South Korean version (the titanium implant) is even safe the way you would have to put the screws in incase of removal? Also, I was wondering if you’ve yet had any patients with your silicone version, as I am highly interested and how safe those are for removal, as well as price ranges. I check for updates almost every day. Thank you!!

A: Thank you for your inquiry and sending your pictures of which I can appreciate your interest in iliac crest implants. In answer to your iliac crest implant questions:

1) Titanium iliac crest implants are safe but you are referring to how easy they would be to remove if necessary. (reversibility) They can still be removed as the screws merely need to be backed out to do so. There is not that much tissue adhesion to metal other than any perforations in the implant’s surface.

2) Silicone iliac crest implants, which have their own appeal and still require screw fixation, awaits the first patient for implantation.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana