Whether or not the reconstructive ligament should be explored after anterior fork surgery for nail removal depends on the postoperative recovery. If there is significant discomfort in the joint and it has a significant impact on daily activities, it can be explored and vice versa.
The need for arthroscopic exploration after anterior fork surgery varies from patient to patient. If there is significant discomfort in the joint and it has a significant impact on daily activities, arthroscopic exploration can be done at the same time to clean up the lesion. If there is no significant discomfort in the joint and all movement is normal, arthroscopic exploration is not needed and local anesthesia is sufficient to remove the nail.
If the surgical nail is made of metal, it usually needs to be removed; nails made of absorbable material usually do not need to be removed. If the nail is made of polyethylene and at the same time there is no discomfort in the anterior or inferior aspect of the knee, it may not be removed.
Patients who need to have nails removed after anterior fork surgery should follow their doctor’s instructions and choose the method that is right for them.