Can a pelvic plate screw removal surgery be done minimally invasively?

Dear Abhishek ji,

Since your father underwent pelvic surgery last month and the screw from the pelvic plate has now become displaced and moved inside the body, the situation should not be taken lightly. A loose or displaced implant can sometimes affect the surrounding bone, soft tissues, blood vessels, or nerves.

If the doctor has reviewed the imaging and advised another surgery to remove the screw, your father should be evaluated by an experienced orthopedic trauma surgeon as soon as possible.

The exact treatment will depend on

• The current location of the displaced screw

• Whether the screw is close to any nerve or blood vessel

• Whether the pelvic bone is healing properly

• Whether the plate remains stable

• Whether there is any infection

• Whether only screw removal is required or plate revision is also necessary

Therefore, it would not be appropriate to confirm without a fresh evaluation whether screw removal alone will be sufficient or whether additional fixation will be required.

Can Ayushman Card Cover This Surgery?

Yes your father is an eligible Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY beneficiary and if the hospital is currently empanelled under PM-JAY, the required screw-removal or revision orthopedic procedure is covered under an applicable package.

However, having an Ayushman Card does not automatically guarantee coverage for every type of re-surgery. The hospital's Ayushman desk must verify the exact procedure and applicable PM-JAY package before admission.

How to Check an Ayushman-empanelled Hospital

1. Open the official PM-JAY hospital search portal.

2. Select your state.

3. Select your district.

4. Search for the hospital by name.

5. Check the hospital's current empanelment status.

6. Confirm whether the required medical speciality is available.

7. Ask the hospital's Ayushman desk whether your specific treatment is covered under an applicable PM-JAY package

Documents to Carry

Take the following documents to the hospital

• Ayushman Card

• Aadhaar card or valid identity proof

• Previous surgery discharge summary

• Previous operation notes, if available

• Pelvic X-rays

• Recent CT scan, if available

• Current doctor's prescription

• Implant/plate details

• Blood test reports

• Current medication list

The latest X-ray or CT scan is particularly important because the surgeon needs to determine the exact position of the displaced screw.

Precautions Until the Orthopedic Review

Until your father is examined again

• Avoid unnecessary walking.

• Do not allow heavy weight-bearing on the pelvis.

• Avoid running, climbing stairs, or strenuous activities.

• Do not massage or manipulate the pelvic area.

• Do not start antibiotics or painkillers without medical advice.

• Strictly follow any weight-bearing restrictions already given by his doctor.

When Should You Go to the Emergency Department?

Seek immediate medical attention if your father develops

• Severe or sudden pelvic/hip pain

• Numbness or weakness in the leg

• Reduced leg movement

• Severe swelling

• Fever or discharge from the surgical wound

• Difficulty passing urine or stool

• Blood in the urine

• Dizziness, fainting, or severe weakness

How Can HexaHealth Help?

We can help you connect with experienced orthopedic trauma surgeons at suitable partner hospitals, coordinate consultations, and understand the Ayushman treatment process.

Please share the state and city, along with the latest X-ray/CT findings and your father's Ayushman Card status. Based on these details, we can guide you on the appropriate type of orthopedic specialist and how to verify Ayushman coverage for the proposed screw-removal or revision surgery.

Wishing you and your family good health always.
Warm regards,
Team HexaHealth