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Hardware removal recovery ?

Posted , 4 users are following.

billy42334
billy42334

Hi, i had a bimalleolar fracture in june 2016, im waiting for my hardware removal but the hospital isn't really helpful and i cant speak to anyone to give me an answer... i can imagine every case is different but i have 3 screws in my ankle , no plates. How long can i be expected to be non weight bearing for? all i wanna do is walk casually and ride my motorbike lol

as you can imagine im really fed up now and the thought of being NWB for  a month or more in the summer is pretty depressing. 

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • GreenOlive
    GreenOlive billy42334

    Posted

    Hi, Billy!

    I had a trimalleolar fracture in December 2017 and got screws and a plate. My surgeon told me that hardware could be remove 6 months after the surgery and I could walk next day with a boot on. He said that boot could be off in two weeks and just be careful for 6 weeks following the hardware removal till holes are filled up with bone. May I ask where are you from? I am in US and it looks like I have no troubles getting info out from the docs. They are starting with "everyone is different..." of course.

    • billy42334
      billy42334 GreenOlive

      Posted

      hey smile thanks for taking the time to reply , hopefully mine will be similar to yours ! i am in the uk and im using the nhs ( its a free healthcare for the public) .. i tried phoning them but they are so busy they just end up fobbing you off lol
  • marian01540
    marian01540 billy42334

    Posted

    Hi Billy,

    I am having my screws removed on 27th Ortho has told me I will be walking fine within 2 weeks after removal. Fingers crossed.

     

  • jan30278
    jan30278 billy42334

    Posted

    I also had a bimalleolar fx - the end of July- I have 2 screws in the medial side and a plate and 6 screws on the lateral side.  I am scheduled to have them out on 4/19.  I have cont to have some discomfort at the plate site and nerve pain at the medical side and the OS feels that it would probably be best to have it all removed.  Generally, he does not recommend removal unless there are ongoing problems.  I doubt you will be NWB for long- my situation is different than many because one of my surgical wounds did not heal right- so I was told that I will have stitches for 3-4 weeks and be NWB for 4 weeks or so- and in a boot for 6.  I was close to needing a skin graft the first time so f/u care from HWR will be very conservative.  From what I have read and seen- most folks are NWB for a few days and then to crutches... but i would suggest perhaps calling your OS and talking to one of the nurses.  Best of luck to you!
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