The purpose of this study is to determine whether or not a patient's results are improved after removal of an internal fixative from a patient with no related symptoms.

This prospective study included 87 patients who agreed to participate in the study and satisfied the criteria for selection and exclusion of patients who underwent the operation for removal of internal fixative due to broken bones from March 1st, 2004 to December 31st, 2011 at Daegu Catholic University Medical Center. The average replication period was 27 months (12-64 months) and the average age at the time of the operation for removal was 41.5 years (21-75 years) for 55 males and 32 females. The quality of life for all patients was evaluated using Short Form 36 (SF-36) surveys before the operation for removal and after a minimum of one year.

After an orthopedic operation for removal of internal fixative, physical health status showed statistically significant improvement (p=0.001); however mental health status did not (p=0.411). A satisfaction test for the subjective surgery written by patients indicated an improvement of subjective health status in 52.9% after the surgery for removal but with no difference in 29.9% compared to preoperation.

In case of an operation for removal of internal fixative for patients with no related symptoms with internal fixatives used for treatment of fractures showing agglutination opinions, an improvement was observed in physical health status, not in mental health status. When surgery for removal of internal fixative is performed for patients without related symptoms, consideration that subjective satisfaction of patients shows an improvement only in 52.9% will be helpful.