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Removal Of Plate and Screws

Posted , 8 users are following.

jessica71699
jessica71699

I am one year post trimalleolar fracture and surgery. I would like to know when is a good time to ask ortho about having metal removed. Thanks!

0 likes, 9 replies

9 Replies

  • Llamalah
    Llamalah jessica71699

    Edited

    When I saw my ortho back in September, which was 5 months post op, he said they wouldn't even consider hardware removal until at least 12 months (April). I saw him yesterday as part of my follow up care, and he said that as long as it isn't causing issues then the preference is to leave it in as when screws are removed the bone is weaker.

    Mind you, I only have one plate and 7 screws, they aren't affecting my ROM and I only notice them when I lean heavily against them.

    You said you're at the 12 month mark, so if you want them out, then I'd say around now is a good time to start that conversation.

  • High-risk
    High-risk jessica71699

    Edited

    I had my hardware taken out at 9 months post op.

    • jessica71699
      jessica71699 High-risk

      Posted

      How are you doing? Do you feel back to normal? Also, how was your recovery? Thanks

    • High-risk
      High-risk jessica71699

      Posted

      I broke my fibula left leg Sept 26 2015. Surgery was 9 days later. I did my physical therapy like a man possessed, and think that is why I havent had any issues since. I was able to resume all of my normal activities. It feels mostly normal, I do have some neuropathy and that foot cramps up pretty easy. But Im glad I had the plate and 7 screws removed.

  • lynn85746
    lynn85746 jessica71699

    Edited

    I tripped at a gas station in January of 2019 and fractured my ankle. I now have seven screws and a plate and I would like to have it removed in April. I’m on the thin side and the hardware causes some discomfort and stiffness even though I have always been very diligent about doing all my therapy exercises. You can actually see the screwheads on my scar. I'm scared to have the surgery but I’m hoping it will help.

    • High-risk
      High-risk lynn85746

      Posted

      I have a thin build and had the same issues. The plate and screws caused irritation with my work boots and ice skates. Recovery after the hardware removal was only 3 weeks no to light pressure on that foot.

  • sandra91776
    sandra91776 jessica71699

    Posted

    I had stabilizing screw removed last month

    Im 7 months post op

    I still have screws in bone that broke

    Ortho said that was a little more complicated than just the one stabilizing screw

  • monique42871
    monique42871 jessica71699

    Posted

    i had a trimalleolar fracture in april of 2018 two plates, 14 pins. Within 4 -5 months i knew I wanted them to come out i could feel and see the pins on my ankle, and it felt like occasionally when walking that my ankle would get caught on the pins. i had them all removed in December of 2018 and the surgery was well worth it if you are having issues i dont see why you need to wait especially if Xrays show that the bone is healed properly

  • jessica71699
    jessica71699

    Posted

    Thank you so much for your input. I'm making an appointment today.

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