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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

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  • marian01540
    marian01540 yolander06542

    Posted

    Hi I had an ankle fusion in Jan 2017  and had the screws removed in the April it was the worst operation I have ever had, but that was because the surgeon left it too long. I am a great healer so when he went to find the screws instead of a 10 minute operation it took him over an hour to find the screws. I am so much better with them out. 

    Even the wet weather doesn't bother me anymore. When I got home (it was day surgery) I was in so much pain I rang the doctor and he said take more pain killers.

    Love that.

    • yolander06542
      yolander06542 marian01540

      Posted

      Thanks for your response. I am happy that your surgery was a success? Were you able to bare full weight on your ankle after surgery?
  • ioane32429
    ioane32429 yolander06542

    Posted

    Hi Yolander,

    I broke my left ankle about almost two years ago.  I underwent surgery where a plate and screws were attached to my fibula.  6 months after surgery and the doctor says that the biggest screw has to be removed.  So it was accordingly done but the plate and 4 other remaining screws are still there. The hardware, according to the doctor must not be removed as it assists the fibula in getting back to structure like before.

    Don't worry too much about the limping part, hang in there because you'll be over it soon.  I truly understand how you are feeling right now, but take one day at a time and make regular visits to your PT.  I am back to full motion now and also back to playing football which broke my ankle in the first place smile

    Wishing you a speedy recovery.  You will get there.

    Kind regards,

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