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Removal of hardware

Posted , 6 users are following.

yolander06542
yolander06542

Hello, I fractured and dislocated my ankle on Jan 25,2018. The next day my doctor informed me that surgery was necessary. I had plate and screws fused to my fibula. Currently, I have three days of treatment at physical therapy. My foot and ankle still swells. I am very frustrated with the aftermath of my ankle injury. I feel that I am going to live the rest of my life limping. I want to know if anyone gotten the hardware removed ? If so, how long it took for you to recover? Have you experienced any improvement with walking and standing? Have your range of motion improved? Thanks for your response😊

1 like, 20 replies

20 Replies

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  • brooke22660
    brooke22660 yolander06542

    Posted

    I’m so sorry, I feel your pain. I did same thing to my ankle on 3/27. I feel like I will never be normal again. I am curious to hear if hardware removal helped as well. I don’t want another surgery but wonder if it would help any. My range of motion is sooooo limited. 
    • yolander06542
      yolander06542 brooke22660

      Posted

      My range of motion is extremely resistant. Sometimes, I feel like I am going to lose my balance and fall again. I hope all goes well with your ankle.
  • matthew21895
    matthew21895 yolander06542

    Posted

    Sorry to hear about your ankle and the unfortunate aftermath of your ankle injury.

    I had ORIF surgery over a year ago and am still bothered with constant pain and limping on my ankle as well.

    I have thought about hardware removal, but was told I may not be able get my screw removed, as it may be in my ankle to hold it together structurally.

    Hoping you get some good news and things start to get better for you!

  • nichole_43923
    nichole_43923 yolander06542

    Posted

    Currently I am 4weeks in with a fractured fibula, dislocation and severed ligaments. I suffered the exact same injury 4 years ago to my opposite ankle. I had the syndemosis screw removed and the plate and pins are still in there. Be sure to continue to do your flexing ankle exercises and elevating it. It is slow going but it does help. I walk fine, i almost have full rotation back and although I never got the full strength back, it didn’t effect my everyday life. It was only noticeable at practice when running drills. Also, get compression socks or you will have cankles forever, lol.
  • High-risk
    High-risk yolander06542

    Posted

    If you search my screen name you can find my posts about having my harware removed. I highly recommend getting the plate and screws removed. Im still playing competive hockey and working my LEO job.
    • yolander06542
      yolander06542

      Posted

      I hope I can become active again. I have gained 10lbs due to not exercising. Thanks for the response. Have a good day.
    • High-risk
      High-risk yolander06542

      Posted

      Keep hitting that physical therapy. When I started pt, it was 30 min of very low impact stuff. When I finished I was busting my ass for an hour and a half. Dont be afraid to tell the therapists to up the work load. PT is your friend.
  • anna62340
    anna62340 yolander06542

    Posted

    I had ORIF 4 months ago and screws removed a month ago. Removal of screws has definitely helped with ankle rotation. Recovery from this was fast. I walked straight after the surgery. Now I walk normally most of tge time but no more than 2 miles. My ankle does swell up after walking and when I stand a lot. I have been diligent with my exercises but have not had much physio. Recovery takes time and I have been told to be patient so I can only repeat this to you. Good luck
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