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Plate and screws

Posted , 6 users are following.

eric59635
eric59635

Hi, I broke my right ankle in Sep 2015...cracked the bottom of my fibulua.  Had a surgery where a plate and 7 screws were installed.  I'm coming on 6 months since the break/surgery, and I'm considering getting the hardware removed.  Two of the screws actually go through my fibula into my tibia.  I finally started running again about 2 weeks ago, and naturally it was pretty sore afterwards.  However, I still always feel some discomfort in my ankle, and still lack mobility, specifically with lifting my foot upwards.  I feel like the hardware is causing these problems.  I know it takes a full year to be back to normal, but my question is how do I know if it's the hardware or just the natural progression of healing?  Would be interested in how others dealt with the hardware they may have had installed in their ankle(s), and if they had the hardware removed, did it make a difference.  Thanks 

0 likes, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • Paulusdw
    Paulusdw eric59635

    Posted

    Hi Eric. I also broke my right ankle & had surgery end of Sept 2015 to fit a total of 3 screws and am experiencing a bad limp and lack of movement  bending my foot towards me due to the swelling which is present 24 hours a day. I exercise it, bathe it, massage it and still no progression. I have considered having the hardware removed but don't want to experience the mobility issues and lack of work for 3 months again, and if the removal wasn't a success , what then?  I was convinced by the consultant that the initial surgery was the best option, however, now knowing what I know, I wish I had not had the surgery and maybe have it at a later date, who knows. I would also be interested in hearing from other patients that may have had the key hole surgery to remove the screws. I have a 3 inch from the initial operation
  • Pinoyboy
    Pinoyboy eric59635

    Posted

    Eric,

    When my orthopedic surgeon discussed screw removal with me, he mentioned that if I had screws tying the fibula and tibia, I would need to have them removed because at some point in the future, movement and/or exercise that causes the bones to move out of unison (such as twisting/pivoting of the foot vs. the leg) would likely snap the screws. Luckily, I have screws only in the tibia; so, I am not susceptible to the problem.  You should chat with your surgeon.

  • High-risk
    High-risk eric59635

    Posted

    I am 5 months post op, injury occured late Sept 2015. Left ankle ORIF procedure with a plate and 7 screws. I did therapy 2 times a week for 2.5 months. I have gained all my strength and 90% of my mobility back. My therapist advised me that the hardware was holding me back from better recovery. I work law enforcement and had to take a pt test when I went back to work. I still have swelling and pain in my ankle, I also get a sharp pain like a needle prick that can happen anywhere in my foot. I also play ice hockey and have been back on my skates since early Jan 2016, not skating nearly as well as before. I have scheduled surgery to have the harware removed at the 6 month post op date.
    • Multiverse
      Multiverse High-risk

      Posted

      I'm very interested to hear how you've been doing. I suffered a spiral fracture of my fibula just above the ankle and am 5 weeks post op ORIF plate and 6 screws. Evidently I am doing great, but am incredibly concerned with regaining full range of motion because of hockey. While I am into many activities, hockey has been the biggest part of my life and myself altogether since I was a child. I hear many negative things regarding difficulty skating after these surgeries and it really saddens me to think my skating could be compromised at all. I'm already reading extensively about hardware removal for that reason. I could go on forever. How are things going with you? Did things improve after writing this (ROM)? Did you have the hardware removed? Please elaborate as much as you like. I'm really looking for good info and experience. "Not skating nearly as well" is such a nauseating thought to me and I'm sure it's been quite difficult for you to deal with that as well. I'm 37 and in pretty decent shape. Take care and thanks.

    • High-risk
      High-risk Multiverse

      Posted

      I just turned 38 in May. I had all the hardware removed July 19th 2016. The break happened Sept 2015 (feet first into the boards). I tried to do everything I could to heal, but my recovery was slower than expected. I started PT in Jan and went at like man posessed. My alotted time was 30 min, but I ended working on my ankle for 90 min near the end. Then I started skating in adult practices put on by a local rink. By last fall I started playing beer league, in a much lower level. I skate now in a high level adult league and rarely think about my ankle. It still gets sore, but not too often. When I got back on my skates I used an ace bandage to give me more cushion overthe incision, then to kinesiology tape. I still use the kt tape once in a while. Im also back to riding dirt bikes. Strength train your legs and focus on ankle strength and mobility, and while your recovering eat good food. Its easy to to get snacky and blow up from sutting on the couch with your leg in the air. Good luck, I'll say prayer for you. Hit me up with any more questions.

  • helen00131
    helen00131 eric59635

    Posted

    Dear all,

    Just wondering if anyone have heard about 'osteectomy' or 'osteotomy'? 

    Also has anyone have done the arthroscopic surgery?

    My surgeon is going to carry these procedures, while removing the hardware from my ankle in two weeks time.

    Any information will be appreciated.

    Thank you!

    Helen

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