Should you have your plate and screws removed after your ankle fracture heals?
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- Опубліковано 8 лис 2015
- Many of the surgeries we perform as orthopaedic surgeons involve placing implants, whether they are screws, plates, nails, or suture anchors. In this Ask Dr. Geier video, I discuss whether the hardware should be removed routinely after a very common orthopaedic surgery - surgery to fix an ankle fracture.
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Vikas writes:
I broke my right ankle a year ago while playing football. Can I play football while there’s a plate still in? Or should I remove it and then play?
After most surgeries, the hardware causes little trouble to the patient. Because people have little fat or muscle over the bones around the ankle, many people can feel the screws there with sports and exercise. If you do have discomfort, removing the screws or plate and screws can relieve that pain. It does take time to recover from the second surgery and return to play.
There are situations where orthopaedic surgeons do remove the hardware. Complications such as infection or nonunion (the fracture doesn’t heal) that we would likely remove the hardware from the ankle.
Please remember, while I appreciate your questions, I cannot and will not offer specific medical advice by email, online, on my show, or in the comments at the end of these posts. My responses are meant to provide general medical information and education. Please consult your physician or health care provider for your specific medical concerns.
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I have two plates and twelve screws in my left forearm after i shattered my ulna and radius in a motorcycle accident in 2014. A couple years ago I started to get unbearable pain in my left forearm. It feels like someone has stabbed multiple screwdrivers into the bones and is twisting them constantly. The arm is sore to the touch and feels like the hardware is shifting. I went back to the hospital that did the surgery twice. They took x-rays both times and told me everything was fine and I would simply have to live with the pain because they didn't want to remove anything because it would cause more problems taking it out and more than likely wouldn't help my pain at all. They gave me a wrist brace that covers most of my forearm and if i don't tighten it down to the point of cutting off circulation to my arm and take a ton of ibprofen I wouldn't be able to work because the pain is so bad I can't lift a single piece of paper with my arm. The hospital told me I would have a recovery time about as long as when I had the accident originally which was about 8 months. Will I really be out for 8 months? I work in a warehouse lifting up to 70lbs on a regular basis. I'm getting tired of being in so much pain I want to curl up in a ball on the floor and cry
It hurts when I inlineskate and ski. I hate the plate
1 year after my surgery and it hurts when the weather is bad and if I put pressure in the area.
I’m not skinny by any means.
Does it increase the risk of infection to have a second surgery?
Hi Dr. Geier,
I had a plate and 7 screws installed on my right fibula 11 weeks ago, in the ankle. I also tore the ligament in my ankle. My foot (including toes), ankle and lower calf are still swollen about 80% as after surgery (when I have my foot elevated most of the day, and it all swells up to 100%, as after surgery, if i am out for several hours with the foot down. I have kept the ankle elevated almost 24/7 the past 11 weeks, and just started putting about 25% weight on it 2 weeks ago. Is it normal to have so much swelling 11 weeks after breaking/having surgery?
Thanks!
Is it common for a muscle to catch on a plate and/or screws? I have a plate attached to my humerus. It's 10 years old and I still have pain where it feels like my muscle is catching. Mainly at the back of my arm. I am not keen on the idea of having the plate and screws removed as I had 8 months of radial palsy after the first surgery. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.
I had two plates and 11 screws in my ankle and ended up getting the hardware removed after a year of recouping and physical therapy as I was still having a lot of pain at the end of my (limited) range of motion. Had the surgery, went back to physical therapy, and it got much, much better. My range of motion is still not as good as my other ankle but is well within normal and most importantly there's no pain anymore. Definitely glad I had it taken out!
@jinneemagic302 I know the feeling. My family says dont do it, but they dont know the pain and the depression that comes with it. I'm going to do it. To heck with them. Go get a second opinion if your current doctor isnt willing. You gotta do what you think is best. Good luck.
@Joyride302 man, get that shit out. Even if insurance is not covering it, it's and quick and easy surgery and shouldn't cost much.
I want to take out too😭
@@user-mb4xy2cz3t it is quick & easy? I was hoping go see that somewhere. After 6 months & pain with every step, sleepless nights & a hobbled walk from the pain, I'm pretty sure it's the metal causing it. I dread another surgery, as the first one was very painful & traumatizing with months of mo walking & no driving. I have some mobility now but there's painful price with each step
how true is this ?
I had a trimalleolar fracture and dislocation earlier this year. Had the best orthopedic surgeon. A plate and 13 screws held my right ankle together as I recovered. 5 months later from surgery I had all hardware removed due to metal reaction to plate and screws and body rejecting it. I had all hardware removed and surgery was successful. I’m thankful I have recovered, but what a journey.
May I ask how long recovery took after hardware removal? I had the same injury last year. Thanks
Kelly Rocks
After the hardware removal, recovery went better than I anticipated. The injury and surgery was January 2020 and hardware removal 5 months later. Two months after the second surgery is when I felt like I had recovered and doing what I used to do. I workout every day and able to enjoy life since full recovery. But what a challenging journey and thankful for medical expertise, physical therapy, and family and friends supporting me. I’m forever grateful. People who see me now mention to me they can’t even tell I was hurt. Just scars to prove it happened. I would love to share more as needed. I want to be supportive of those with the same very severe ankle/foot injury.
@@cin29der Hey Kelly! How did you first realise your body was rejecting the metals?
@@cin29der Sorry for calling you Kelly, I misread the name because of the commenter above 😅
@@polisherci The outside of my ankle became severely painful, hot to touch, and a bright red appearance. It was so painful I couldn’t put weight on that foot. It was the same location of where my plate and screws were surgically placed on the inside. I had tests proving I was metal sensitive and not reacting well to the metal implants. Therefore, had surgery within the week to take out all the metal.
I think long term effects of hardware are not researched, so while I'm young and can endure the surgery easily, I take everything out to not find out of those effects on own experience.
Just out from a motorcycle accident and had a tibial plafond with front right and side plates. Researching now what to do in 12 months. Research indicates that it was recommended.
Bernie in Sydney
I had surgery on 2/2/19 for a broken ankle and the two small bones on both sides of it. I have pins, screws, plates, rods and a cable. The outside screw is visible and the cable feels like it's choking the ankle. Surgeon said some people do get the cable removed - I want it all removed and giving it time, of course!
I don't blame you....sounds very difficult for you
Thank you Dr. David. You are awesome.
Thanks very much for your explanation Sir.
Broke & dislocated my right ankle about 8 years back now. Thanks to my podiatrist It has been a perfect surgery so far, no problems at all with it. Have the same plate in the x-ray that you showed but have 4 screws. This video was helpful because i was just thinking since it been so much time to remove them but i guess i don't thanks to your advice since im having no problems with it.
Plzz guys i need help can u tell will surgeon cut the same place to remove metal plate from my hand where he had cut to put metal plate inside
I broke my left ulna almost a month ago and this is by far the worst pain I have ever gone through, slight chance of getting a metal plate and screws don’t know for sure yet but it makes me feel better how many other people have also been through this I felt relieved because others can relate now I know it’ll be alright
How is it going now? How are you?
I had a plate in my wrist a couple weeks ago
I had a knee injury in 2020 May 26th......that's 2yrs and 6 months ago....I had a plate and 1o screws inserted. Well....the Doctor said the implants were to be removed exactly after a period of 2yrs. I went back in May 28th this year ready for removal by this time I was able to walk that most pple who didn't know me before could not make out I had all those implants I thank God for that......after the X-ray the Doctor proudly announced my fully recovery and the Good news no more surgery.......Unless they bring up problems in Future God is Great.......I was soo scared remembering the pains I underwent previously.
11 screws inserted
😢Plzz guys i need help can u tell will surgeon cut the same place to remove metal plate from my hand where he had cut to put metal plate inside
very informative thank you doctor!
Great coverage 👏👍
Very informative 👍
Thanks 😊
Had my second ankle surgery in March 2003 and the plates and screws taken out since they bothered me a lot when I tried to sink into my legs during Tai Chi. Afterwards I needed Physic Therapy again and using crutches. When I looked at them, I thought about buying screws at an Home Improvement Store. But like I said in the other video, I have chronic pain in my ankle, legs, lower back.
I had a humerus fracture and my body started pushing the screws so they were coming through the skin. I had that plate removed. I now use the plate as a keychain.
That's gross but cool at the same time
thank you very much this helped me a lots
I just had cerclage tension wiring removed from my medial malleolus and tibia on Thursday. The wiring must have been twisted right over the medial malleolus, because it has been painful for the last 13 years. Especially when wearing boots. It eventually built up some scar tissue, but anything rubbing against it was painful and made it swell. I also had the joint fully debrided, to get rid of traumatic osteophytes, and recover range of motion after a type III talus fracture with AVN. I'm going to be so happy once I'm healed from this. For now, everything hurts and my entire foot is swollen and black and blue! Feels like I crushed it all over again!
how is the condition now?
I broke my left radius wrist 12 years ago. I still have the plate in left wrist. I barely squeeze something or lift light weight, and I'm in a lot of pain. The hand/wrist feel weak. Feels at times plate will rip out of skin!
I had a screw put in my ankle 16 years ago! It usually dosen't bother me! I live in Montana! When it gets really cold! It aches really bad!
I got a screw in my ankel to. Don't feel it that badily but I do live in a climate where its warm pretty much year round. Also I think elevating it 95% of the time between when I fractured it & after the surgery really helped. Some people don't do this right & end up having complications or regular periods of pain most of their lives at least that's what my doctor told me.
Very enlightened vid
I’d recently have been having stinging pain on my forearm,I don’t know if it’s the screws and every time I bump my arm against something it really hurts compared to my other arm,I broke my arm 6 months ago
I had this surgery yesterday and I had ALL of these questions which you answered. Thank you so much for this video!
On 2 weeks, worst pain of my life, will let u know what they do tomorrow at the doctors office
I’m in a cast right after the 2nd surgery, first one was to straightvmy ankle
Hi Dr David, I love the way you share this information. Thank you! I have had RA since I was 36. I am 71 now. I refused the usual RA drugs of chemo and steroids but I am now using the biological drug Actemra which is amazing. I had 2 knee replacements 11 years ago. I have the titanium prosthetic knees and the screws are noticeable but not a problem. I have been running and working in my cleaning business for 42 years. With staff shortages I have been working longer than even at the beginning with thanks to the Actemra and knee replacements. I rolled on a bolt and seriously broke my ankle 12 weeks ago. I have plates and screws now. I used a wheelchair to be totally non weight-bearing for 7 weeks as I was told my bones were soft there. (However my back showed good strength when I had a bone density scan recently) I have been running the business throughout these weeks and I started off doing what I could from the wheelchair and now trying not to use the crutch. I am much more tired than normal and I am getting frustrated. (I went back to work after 13 days with the second knee replacement with fewer challenges than I am having now). When I broke my ankle I was surprised that the knee or its stem or the surrounding bones were not damaged as my knee came to a totally closed angle for the first time since RA. I certainly wouldn’t be wanting any of the screws etc to be removed.. it’s all obviously very strong). I just hope I can get back to feeling more normal soon with my ankle. I have a pretty healthy and busy life style and want to spend the rest of my days encouraging people to do the same thing through my workshops I run along side of the cleaning. I have to get better quickly. Thank you
Hi. I have got tibia+fibula distal very close to the ankle joint 07 months ago and got 02 plates with 19 screws. By grace of God I am doing very good from last 2 months. I walk without crutches but yes I can't walk fast although I am walking fast in GYM on a treadmill. I am dying to run and jum, I hope to do this soon with the hardware as doctor advised me not to hammer for further 02 more months. Only one problem I face which is that I limp when I sit for little long or specialy when I wake up in the morning. If God will, soon I will get rid of this conditional limping also. I am interested to remove hardware and doctor said it can be done after 30 months of the surgery which I will definitely do if I will be alive till then. I wish everyone good health and speedy recovery to those who are going through the injury.
I had a spiral fracture on my right fibula.. I left it in.. but as I shift from roller derby to ramps.. I am finding that there is ONE screw that hurts when you touch it. Nowhere else... it does get challenging in the cold/rain but once you warm it up the ankle is OK.. but that one spot is always tender if I do any aggressive sports activity.
Last week I had the plate and screws in my wrist removed after 3½ years.
I had a lot of pain when moving my thumb to pinky, making a fist, picking up a pot, leaning on it and more discomfort.
The decision to remove the material was the best. Same day after surgery I felt such a relief in my wrist and felt so good already, could move my fingers normal although all was sore and pain from surgery. Still have quite a lot of healing to do but I am so happy that the plate and screws are gone. Can't wait to start with sports again, without the annoying pain this time 🙂🙃
Note: There were 9 screws in my wrist and in the beginning also metal pin, which was removed after several weeks.
Also, i have small wrists.
hi, i broke both my wrist on april 2021 and now i'm still on therapy to get my mobility back after 2 weeks plaster cast. i just want to know after you took off the screws & plates do u have to go therapy again to get mobility again? tq
I too am tiny wrists and have a volatile plate that I want out now but it has been 10 weeks only post op. I am literally counting down the seconds to get this stuff OUT
Thankyou for sharing. I feel such despair with the current pain & limping & despair at the thought of surgery to remove the metal. Thus is encouraging
Seeing messages like this make me wonder.... what the hell are surgeons doing this operation for? They sprout BS about only 10 percent get it removed. Yeah...only 10 percent can afford the surgery and time off work etc etc etc etc. It's a DUD operation. A huge con. The old method worked. Why change? Because surgeons love doing surgery.
I had hardwares removed after exactly a year. There were five hardwares on the ankle / Medial Malleolus; Two screws and three hooks. Both screws were removed as well as two hooks. The doctor decided to leave one of the hooks as it was completely covered with new bones. They were bothering my ankle because I couldn’t wear ankle boot without pain from the friction generated by the hooks that’s very closed to the skin (just below the malleolus bone);
It was a pain in the butt, but worth it. Recuperating time in as much shorter than the initial surgery; 10 days bed-rest, five days of light bearing, sutures removed on 15th days, followed by active physical for two weeks (6 appointments). Back wearing my ankle boots ……… I was told that a diabetic person must be extremely careful with this type of surgery. 🙏🏻
Wow ,I m happy for you Merriam ,eish it's a year now for me but yhooo still struggling to wear my shoes as it's swollen werse every day 🤦
Hi David!
Thanks for the information /suggestion.
I've had a fracture on My hand (between elbow n wrist) n I had a surgery to which resulted in hardware /surgical plates input. It's been almost nine years that I haven't taken them out. What would you recommend? Responses would be appreciated.
Have u got full range of motion
Was wondering this for a collarbone (had a plate and 6 screws) I broke in October 2019. Looking to go back to semi pro football. Would a collarbone with a plate be at more risk?
Had a trimalleolar fracture Aug 2020. Female 5’5” 130#. Pain was persistent and diminished range of motion. I am an avid tennis player. May 2023 had 10 screws and 2 plates removed. Pain is reduced and range of motion is better. So glad I had the surgery !!
Plzz guys i need help can u tell will surgeon cut the same place to remove metal plate from my hand where he had cut to put metal plate inside
Hi Grace, I just had this same surgery, 2 plates, 9 screws, 2 pins, trimalleolar fracture reduction with tibia and fibular repair. I am your size. I was riding a bike, jumped off and the dislocation broke everything. I am wondering if you would be able to message me about how you and your doctors were able to assess that getting hardware removed was better. Also, did I read that you had to wait about 3 years to have it all removed? I am having one thing after another happen with the wound not healing and I wonder if it is from a metal allergy--which I have had mildly before. Thanks for letting me ask. ~Cherise
Having tibia plate and 4 screws out next Friday because they are working their way out(unscrewing themselves) after nine years and are causing a lot of pain especially when wearing cowboy boots. I do a lot of dancing and play golf 3-4 times week. The 2 fibula screws I'm not certain about.
4 years later, how are you now? i'm thinking about getting the screws taken out of my ankle from the surgery i had 3 years ago.
Did removal help? Good for you dancing. I still cannot walk normally and without a limp. I cannot imagine dancing.
@@sandraobrien8705
ME2 SANDRA
Plane crash.
I had the hardware removed from my ankle, first the 2 screws (symodium???) that went through the plate on my fibula, through the fibula, and into the tibia, at 3 months after the original surgery. Then a year later the rest taken out. That was 6 more screw and the 2 plates that showed wear marks on them a the 2 screw that came out a year earlier left the ends of the plate free from each other.
I did win the wife carrying race 4 years after the hardware removal from my ankle.
I have had complications with infection with the harware in my face, for 4 years, 2 hardware removal surgeries done in attampts to get the hardware out, but the bone has grown over some and there are bits and pieces still around my right eye, and still causing infection. There was 48 screws and 11 plates put into my face, and a mesh under my right eye. There is still 28 screws, 7 plates and the mesh in my face.
Car accident 5 years after plane chash.
I am itching to get the hardware out of my tibia at the plateau, as I cannot do anything on my knees, or carry my own weight with mor than 20 degrees of bend in my knee. I have opted out of a femoral osteotomy on my right leg which would include the removal and reinsertion of the inermedular nail, to fix the 20 deg malrotation. More muscle damage with little gains for another year of recovery.
None of this hardware seems to set off the metal detectors at the airports, except for the wand metal detectors.
I've had my plates and screws in ankle for about 4 years now with no complaints but now I've been having a lot of pain on the outside of my ankle and it's getting worse
I have 25 screws , 4 metal plate and 1 metal rod in total in my body.... and im so thankful to all surgeon who perform the bone surgery due to accident..
So how are u coping up with it. Do you feel them or does it cause any trouble.
GOD WILL GIVE YOU BETTER LIFE
Well I had 2 screws in my right knee during TKR. The femur was fractured and surgeon had to put screws to keep bone together. Just wonder if I have to have them out some day or stay in for life. I am 70yrs, and scared if I have to do another surgery to take them out. Please advise. Thank you.
Very Helpful Video! Dr. Gaier I had surgery 8 months ago and have both the 2 screws and plate just as you showed it. I have been training body building for about 3 months and I am able to do heavy squats but still feel numbness and got hammer toes ( big toe slightly and the one next to it more heavily .) Anything you could comment will be truly appreciated. Gus
OMG man you are like an angle, i was just searching for a such a motivational comment thanku soo much do you even do deadlift and bench
if I want to remove the screws in my ankle from torn ligaments and broken fibula will I regret it? I'm trying to get back into rugby but I don't have the mobility and speed I used to but I also don't want to lose the strength I've worked hard to rebuild
I’m having a lot of pain and irritation from my ankle fracture surgery I can feel the screw sticking out and it often bothers me. They put a metal plate and screws in my right ankle. It happened a little over 6 months ago. How long until I’m fully healed and can have them removed?
I had the two long scews removed from ankle after 6 months per dr recommendation because he told me it would allow for greater rom and i would feel better. Also he said eventually they would break. I didn't have any problems related to the screws. Only did it because he told me it would feel better. Had it done on Friday and he said just chill out over the weekend and then i could do whatever i wanted. I work out hard at the gym. Go to boxing gym, etc. I feels worse. Feels like more swelling and tightness. He was well aware of my lifestyle. He didn't warn of any dangers to taking them out. Only good things. He said the x ray looks fine. Blames it on arthritis. Bone on bone. Any thoughts?
I had a plate and screws removed from a comminuted 2nd MC fracture. They were removed because they were irritating the tendons that lie above it and limiting my range of motion. The hardware removal improved the pain and range of motion. I had a cuff repair with suture anchors, 3 ligament repairs in my hand with a total of 5 suture anchors, a knee repair with an endo-button and a brostrom none of those implants have bothered me.
Hi, What happened after the surgery ?
I have trouble with the muscles not going back over the hardware and it causes the muscle to form a HUGE knot that becomes extremely painful. I've been dealing with this for years and I'm wondering if taking hardware out will make it better. any advice?
Hi I had Surgery on August 2018 DHS Surgery hip joint some time I feel pain I want to know when it's removed plate screw
I recently had a scaphoid surgery with screw fixation. I know scaphoid takes longer to heal. Is it possible to remove the screw from such bones after a year ofcourse?
I’ve had a screw in my wrist for scaphoid for about 5 years now and i recently was trying to break up a fight but unfortunately ended up getting involved in it and I was using my hand forgetting I’ve got the screw in, I feel like the screw maybe the thing that causes more damage in the future as I can’t always assume I won’t hurt it in some way either at work, tripping over, playing sports, or in the case a fight I was involved in.. my question is did you ever get yours removed or find out any info from a doctor about getting it removed?
My ankle hurts. It's been two years. You're right that it's the outside that is bothersome. Seems three areas of my ankle were fractured. I felt no pain until over a year later. Now it's weather and cold sensitive.
Me too
I thinking about getting the hardware removed
Me as well
I'm having a plate put on the lower fibula for 2 spiral fractures. How long before having hardware removed?
I also had a compound tip fib fracture at age 6 on the same leg. In this procedure as I understand it both a rod is put down the tibiawith screws and plates however I remember signing a form regarding non-disclosure of procedure. Hospital was in Maryland. I feel like I still have screws in place and evidence of scar tissue linear going down the tibia is apparent now and again since 2010 approximately
I displaced my left ankle and had a spiral fracture of the fibula. Had plate and screws fitted and spent six weeks in a cast. I'm now walking again but it takes time and you must listen to your doctors and physiotherapists advice. Yes it hurts sometimes when walking but that's because it's still healing bone ligaments nerves etc. Be patient people give your body chance to recover.
This seriously helps I am so scared for therapy in 1 month I broke my phiblua and my leg and ankle I have 8 screws and 3 plates and scared to walk again
@@Pnut.245 don’t be scared my guy. We gonna be able to run again.
I'm approaching my one year post ankle surgery. I have a plate and 7 screws. It doesn't hurt just aches and annoys me at times. I'm having issues with the mental part of it, I feel like everything is going to break it again.
I understand how you feel. Vulnerable & nervous. In my case so much pain & limping is despairing.
same here
I had an ankle break. I am a 54 yr old female. My incision wouldn’t heal right and I had one of the screws literally sticking out. Surgeon went in and took hardware out 3 months after original surgery. I am a little worried about how recovery will be. He said bones in ankle looked really good
Hi, Dr. Geier and everyone. I need your opinion/suggestion. I am from Indonesia and I have a metal implant in my radius dextra since 2013. Next month, I will study in 4-seasons country. How does it feel having a metal implant during winter? Should I remove the implant before departing to that country? How long does the recovery take time after removing the implant? Considering, I will lift a big luggage by myself.
Broke my left ankle last year during a football game. I was 17. I have good range of motion, no pain & can lift weights just as good as before. I stopped running for a year & back into it a couple of weeks ago. Felt fine for a while but once i got to over 4 miles I would have shin splints & ankle pain the next day. It really started when I was running in super flat shoes though
Hope it got better. How are you doing nowadays?
@@mayaTN been doing really good in terms of the ankle. I feel no pain & everything feels the same as before I broke it. Thanks for asking 🙏🏽
@@javierlopez223 do you still have the hardware in?
When I was about 7-8 years I broke my right arm, near the elbow. Growing up I always had problems with my right arm, whether I was lifting weights, throwing basketballs, or just reaching out to grab something in a particular angle.
I never thought about the screws being the source of the problem. I'm 26 years old, I assume it's way too late to pull out the screws now.
Check it out anyway. You've done a lot of growing since you were 8 and it may be time to remove the hardware.
CHRISTIANNWO I broke my elbow around 7 months ago and it’s effecting me heavily. Doctors recommend I can get the screws and plate removed in a month or so
I broke my right humerus about 3-4 years ago at 29. I had a titanium plate and 7 screws put in. I still experience pain when lifting weights our lifting even relatively light objects at certain angles. Push up are also painful. I'm seriously considering having my hardware taken out.
I have been a severe over pronator all my life. 60 years. Now after my Trimalleolar fracture and 2 plates, 13 screws later and solid PT, the front and out ankle still hurt so bad. What does the effect of lifelong severe pronation and screws and plates result in? Will I have this stabbing, pain forever? Or should they come out?
Good Day! I have a question. Is it really required to remove the hardware after 22 months? Or what complications they may get if they won't remove the hardware? The patient has experiencing pain when he over work his arm and it's bleeding in the cut area. But it's more than just 2 years since the first surgery. Is he required to remove the hardware? Was it bad already?Please answer. Thank you!
I had a type 2 fibula fx and ORIF w/6 screws placed 5/11. The one screw was angled in the fibular between the fracture break. Had bone edema in talar and subtalar bones which was very painful to walk at 6 weeks- so took me awhile to get the feel of walking. Used an anti-gravity treadmill a few times. The last screw at the bottom of the malleolus is painful/can feel it and one area about a pencil eraser side posterior to the fibula a inch or so up. Feels like it's in back of the bone. I suspect it's a screw end that's irritating the tissue? My Dr said initially he wanted me to leave it in for a year. It's inhibiting my rehab with walking. Barely walking with a cane and fine w/walker. Have vestibular issues, so sense of balance is poor. All that doesn't help my confidence with walking, as I don't want to fall. Have never had vestibular issue before. Felt due to limited activity for the past 3 months. I had a friend's sister who had a screw (tib/fib) removed around 6 months. I've got a skinny ankle and no tissue/fat over the outer ankle bone. Even the plate bothers me.....Dread going through surgery again....
Hi all, I went through a surgery to reduce a fracture in my fibula with a long screw connecting fibula and fibula and 7 small ones in my fibula.
Should I remove the long screw? Would it restrictions my movements? Please advice
Bro I have an plate and screws in my right hand ulna fracture should I use to remove it plz tell me
I got bimalleolar fracture and Lil post malleolar hairline fracture, but screw at med malleoli bothers me when I move my ankle, wt shud I do?
I broke my left ankle two yrs ago, I healed and started walking and running good for about a yr then my ankle became weak and now I've been walking with a limp for about a yr now, I haven't had a single day of therapy I must add, I have tremendous pain every step i take, what do you think might be going on with my ankle and do you think I have a chance at ever walking normal again?
I had a bad fibula and tibia break at the ankle and complete tear of the ligament of a muscle that goes between the two bones. The surgeons inserted an IM nail, a plate, and 14 screws. The worst of it was the screw that went from the outside of my ankle, through the plate, bone, the muscle that got torn, and the nail in the other bone all to secure the torn ligament. My ankle was swollen for months, and I was in agony for weeks. A year later, after much persuasion, the dungeon masters were able to remove all of the hardware. My knee stopped hurting and my ankle stopped swelling so bad. I was able to flex my ankle again. I would recommend having any implants removed if possible.
Hello how many months imposible to remove ? Thank you so much
The surgeon told me they wouldn't touch it until twelve months after they put it in, unless it was infected or I had an allergic reaction.
Ollitopay thank you God bless
This is the info I've been searching for, thanks for sharing! My screw removal surgery is the day after tomorrow.
Thank you for this info. I have a non healing ulcer on a scar tissue which has two metal staples in my ankle and for 6 years the hospital orthopaedics will not remove.I live in London UK and NHS don't know what to do.I am still waiting an answer! .
I know this video is kind of old but I was a professional skateboarder and I broke my ankle and I've had a 6-in plate with 10 screws in it for about 2 years now while I was homeless at one point and is still feels sore and it definitely bothers me from time to time I still do sports and it feels great so like he said unless it is really giving you problems you should probably keep the hardware in for stabilization purposes
You've been able to 🛹 again? I hope so! I just had surgery for a Maisonneuve injury (torn ligaments in right ankle + fractured fibula 🙃) I got in a mosh pit 🤦♂️. I skateboard & also stand up paddle board. Terrified that I might not be able to again 😬
I hade a plate a several screws implanted in my ankle I have one particular screw that goes from one side to the other that maybe sticking out of the otherside a bit causing discomfort.
Dr. Grier, I had a Lisfranc fracture of my left foot that resulted in two surgeries before resulting in a fusion. I am two years post fusion and have a lot of pain in my foot from walking and just having a foot on. My dr says it’s because I’m small in size and there is no fat to cushion it, and the plate is rubbing against the nerves (or something to that effect). She has recommended hardware removal. My question is, would it be easy to break that fusion if the hardware was removed?
Hello all! 12/17/18 will be a year since my ORIF right ankle surgery. I have 2 screws in the inner and 8 screws + plate on the outside. After a year of this, continued limping, continued pain, unable to jog/run, I headed back to the ortho surgeon today. My bones are healed and after much deliberation, I will be having the hardware removed in a few weeks. It was great reading these comments to get insight from others with similar injuries. I will post my progress in the comments!
Alissa McDonald currently recovering from an ankle fracture and have a plate and screws on the outside. Would love to hear how your surgery went and how you feel. Currently it is uncomfortable because I can feel metal in my ankle. I am blessed not to have pain.
Alissa, how are you today? Hope you can walk properly now?
hey, any updates?
I also have horrendous pain in the front of the ankle and tightness and pain about four inches up the shin from the talus. I can extend the ankle fine, but flexion, especially dorsiflexion is impossible to completely do. Is this tightness in bottom of the shin normal?
I have the same thing!! I’m having my screws removed, my Ortho insisted.
@@kishalashawn5542 I ended up getting all metal removed and they found cartilage that had torn and calcified and was rubbing cartilage off both bones.
@@robind6300 how was the recovery? Painful? Weight bearing? I think mine needs to come out because front pain and out side pain. But my family says no. I'm so conflected!
@@candicelockhart156 It was not as painful as after the first surgery. I have less pain overall. I still have pain and swelling but I also have arthritis and fibromyalgia. I still do not have full flexion. If I had to do it again, I would still have the metal taken out. Because I have less discomfort and pain after the surgery. Have your doctor recommend physical therapy again to help you recover faster.
Thanks Robin D appreciate your input and insight.
If I don't remove my screws, will there be a higher chance of shattering the bone if a similar accident happened again?
Hello I am from the U.K I broken my inside ankle then right side and fibia at the same time. I had ORIF surgery screws in the inside and screws/ plate on the fibia. I had my metal work taken out 3 weeks ago due to overgrowth of bone and a car accident aggravating the tendons/ ligaments. Everything is healing okay just worried about if I will ever train again, I have alot of numbness and skin area tights around the scars!
Had ankle surgery yesterday. I have a a few screws in. It definitely gives me hopes watching your videos Dr.
i hope you healed wonderfully 🙏🏻
@@polisherci I actually had a the tip of one my screws removed last week. It broke, fortunately I’m feeling good. It will probably take faster to heal maybe a month or quicker, what’s your situation?
Can I ask the same question but for humerus fracture
Have u found an answer..
I too have steel plates in humerus
Very informative video. Now i will not be able to always thinking to remove my plate on my injured ankle
I have 1 screw in my left inner ankle. It doesn't bother me, only time when I feel it is when I hit it by accident, happens rarely and when I stand for hours ( around 8 hours) it may become painful. I've have had it for 9 years now( got it at 12). I don't think I'll be removing it, it does worry me at times that it may use up my bone or something, is this a thing? I know it right on my joint, where the movements are made.
I had surgery in Feb. 2016; I have 2 screws on the inside of my ankle and a plate and screws on the outside (looks exactly like the x-ray you showed in the video). My ankle swells every once in a while but this week it has been really bad. Any suggestions?
Dawg any updates
I had hardware taken out on the outer side of my ankle because the screw head were bothering me. My surgeon was fine with that and I asked about the hardware and screws on the inside of the ankle and he said it was better to leave that in. It hasn’t bothered me and it’s been there for about 15 years.
can you do i r m ?
@@bstr-ey6wl what is i r m?
how has your ankle been now? Seems that I am in a close situation as you were. After 12 years the hardware in my ankle are giving me problems. I have 2 long screws in my inner part of my ankle and 5 screws on the outside with a plate. I want them take out.
@@edgarprz1 Hi Edgar’s,
Lately my ankle has been bothering me more when I am walking and a few weeks ago I went to see my family doctor about it. He sent me for an X-ray and I have a video phone call with him next week to discuss it. I usually walk on nature trails and uphill and because I have a restricted range of motion it puts extra stress on my ankle. When I had the screws removed from the outside of my ankle years ago the surgeon advised against removing the plate on the inside. He said that generally they leave those ones in. Maybe I have scar tissue which is preventing a normal range of motion.
I was told that the best hospital in this area for orthopedic surgery was the Florida Hospital Flagler.have you heard of it and can you recommend a doctor to either set my ankle or two if need be perform some sort of procedure without any hardware. Currently have two types of braces I use.One is an ankle stirrup. The other is a Mueller ankle strap.
Thank you for the advice!
🙂🙋🏻♂️👍
Happy to help!
+Dr. David Geier thanks for the video. I had open fibula reduction surgery exactly a year ago with a metal plate and 8 screws (outside) intalled. I elected to have the larger anchoring screw removed 4 months afterwards. Recovery was of the normal cadence and I've felt great until this week. I noticed a light throbbing pain while I was at work 2 days ago and when I got home the outside of my ankle was slightly swollen and red. I iced and elevated it and had no issues in the morning. The same thing happened again today with the same level of pain and swelling. Nothing acute and it's only a 2 out of 10 on the pain scale. However, I'm concerned about the swelling and am wondering if a screw backed out maybe? I'm in my early 40s and in good health otherwise. I'm 6'3' 220lbs but haven't been running in over a month or put any additional stress on the ankle. What's your opinion and advice? Thanks in advance for your time and consideration.
What happened with your ankle? I have the same symptom right now
@@sarradachraoui341 Broken fibula.
@@km_attack i mean did you have a problem with a screw which caused you that pain ? did you have to take it out ? i hope you had a nice recovery
I had my ankle plate removed this week because it was uncomfortable. I had it put a year and a half ago. I am skinny and the plate is on the outside. It seemed it wasn't healing at the bottom, there was always a scab. My ankle felt numb when sitting, had to rub my ankle and lift it up. I'm just waiting for it to heal.
Is the numbness any better?
Did it all work out? Thanks for sharing.
Hey um i have a question for you. For a gun fracture on the right ankle when or after the recovery can The plat that is their can or should it be removed?
I played soccer since I was 7 but one of my knee is knocked, so that caused me a lot of injuries, but recently it was corrected and I have plates and screws on my thigh bone, please hope this will allow me to get back home soccer when healed
I had a distal wrist fracture 3 years ago and I’ve thought about getting the plates and screws removed, even though there is no infection or pain, and I’ve wanted to be bone hardware free but I don’t think it’s worth taking the risk or the pain.
Still no real problem with the hardware? I think I get not wanting it in there. It just seems so unnatural. I just got mine and it freaks me out a little
@@aslmad1 I still don’t have any problems with it, but every now and then I get this slight painful sensation in my wrist. It’s the only bone I’ve broken.
DON'T
@@ruthmcghie8228 why? There should be a reason
Hi! I'm finding yur videos very interesting. I had a very bad accident years ago with a broken pelvis n left side leg with tibula n fibula. I got the metal taken out of my foot but I'm more in pain den b4 n my pelvis also. Is there anything I can do to ease my pain?
finally have some answers.. our doctors just dont give this ammount of info. Im mostlly now in nead for postoperative rehabilitation. in water and out. I m on waiting list in next three weeks. and as doctor told me I shoud start in monday. I cant find any on web . so at least I can train a bit at my home .. do you have somewhere some materials so I can use it. please.
Was just in the ER again about one month ago and had the ankle re-x-rayed. I have the disk but I am not getting any good doctors here in Daytona Beach Florida
Four yrs ago trimalleor fracture left ankle very good recovery ! I've not had any issues just weather changes! So I keep mine in
Hi Karoline. How old are you? 41 years of age male in fairly good shape. Trimalleolar fracture too with ORIF. Week 4 post surgery. I guess they re gonna stay with me:/
@@japanluv 56 yrs old I was 52 at the accident time
@@karolinesmail489 Thanks.
@@japanluv Also a month in with the metal plates in my ankle.
@@africanhuman5795 What s your fracture, brother? Trimalleolar as well? How old are you? Maybe theu can take yours off later on.
I broke my ankle 4 yrs ago and have a plate and screws on the inside of ankle. Recently I have been getting sharp pains where they are. I'd describe the pains as If my bone splits open when I put weight on it. I have been contemplating calling my surgeon to talk about removal or just an X-ray to make sure the hardware is intact.
You should definitely get an x-ray. I noticed a tinging feeling and lots of swelling around my ankle (broke it 4 years ago), I started to feel the ankle getting bigger on the outside and had a sneaking suspicion that one of the screws was backing out. The x-ray confirmed this and I now have surgery to not only remove the one screw, but to remove all screws (7) and the plate. I just don't want to have to deal with it again should something else happen.
I want mines out it's been 10 years and it still hurts like hell
@carmenneighbors8987 thank you. I am having the same problem .ER doctor told me it is an infection and put me on antibiotics but I can feel a hard ball.
Hi. I had a surgery 6 weeks ago, because of separation of distal tibio fibular syndrsmosis. The doctor put a 2 screw in my right ankle because he said that my ligaments are cut off. And he said after 6 months its my choice to remove the screw or not. But my concern is i cant able to walk properly or stand alone of my right foot. It really hurts, thats why im depending on my cruches. My question is how many more weeks im going to wait to walk properly? Thank you for the answer.
sir how much time it took to recover my wrist..
a plate and screws....
I had an ORIF surgery on my right fibula about 9 months ago, and I'm having a hardware removal surgery in about a month. I really don't know what to expect, but the screws and plates really bug me, especially because I have to wear boots for the snow here in Canada. if anyone has any advice, please let me know!
i'm the same , trying to get removal too . hope it works out for you.go for it. don't spend 20 yrs. like i did
+Abdulaziz Shanti Generally if the hardware bothers a patient, removing it can be really helpful without causing any new trouble.
+Dr. David Geier tks , i hope to get removal, x-rays show the hardware is "bent", deformed.My leg was 2cm shorter post surgery and circulation damage and .edema in the foot and lower leg .I had recent lazer light treatment that greatly improved the redness and edema.I have an appointment with a surgeon I was pretty surprised at how well the lazer treatment worked thanks again for your reply.
would love to hear any follow up info to how your ankle was after removal , i am have same problem with boots i need wear at work and am thinking of removal
I had my trimalleolar ankle fixation surgery done last week, and honestly speaking the thoughts of having all these metal pieces in side my ankle is the scariest thing for me. Not sure if I can carry out my daily activities such as walkng a lot, running and occasionally dancing like before?? 😭😭
I had trimalleolar surgery beginning of november 2020. I had open fracture! yikes..still working on range of motion
I had it done 6 months ago and recovery is slow. I really cannot see myself dancing or running ever again.Still walking with a limp and not for hours at a time like I used to be able to do. I can limp around for half an hour. It is so discouraging 😐 How is your recovery going?
I had a trimalleolar surgery 4 months ago. I cannot stand or walk for more than 20 minutes. The range of motion is limited . Contemplating removal of screws in about a month as doctor wants the bones to heal well . Reading through all the experiences as I really want to be rid of this pain . Can anybody say if removal of screws will ease pain
Hello..I've had a titanium rod in my right leg..for a long time now..my question is why is my leg 3 and 3/4 inches shorter..and is there reason the doctor couldn't find a longer one..btw it was due to a head on collision my foot was on the brake as the collision happened I wasn't at fault but I was going approx 45 mph..the other vehicle approx 60..all of the breaks where nonunion.ankle and femur bones..plus fractured pelvis..not to mention major underlined herniated discs..had what they called roto rooter job?Not to mention torn rotator and shattered coller bone. This accident ruined my life and is still causing me major pain every day from ankle to shoulder and back pain and problems.I can barely walk anymore. This really sucks.
Hi Sir , I did the orif ankle surgery last year 11/03/2017. Then after not even healed ACL LIGAMENT POP up on a same leg. My doctor did the ACL SURGERY also. But sir hardware on ankle is hurting a lot. I can’t even walk also. My doctor told me to wait for couple of months. What’s your suggestion Sir please inform me.Even also have lots of swelling on a ankle. What to do.
I broke my ankle about 30 years ago when I was in my early 20’s and had a plate and 4 screws put in on the outside of my right ankle. I’ve never had any problems until now, and still not sure if the plate and screws are the problem or not. Eight weeks ago I started walking 1 1/2 miles daily and after walking for 5 weeks I started experiencing pain in both feet. The left foot pain subsided within 3 weeks. The right foot pain moved from the inside of my foot to the outside of my ankle where the plate and screws are. It’s now swollen and very painful. I can barely walk and when I do I limp. I see my doctor next week, but it’s taken four weeks to get an appt. I recall how painful the first surgery was and definitely want to avoid it at all costs.
so what was wrong??? im getting ankle surgery im in my early 20’s and im nervous :/
natjelly turns out my right ankle was sprained. My not so bright doctor didn’t care, didn’t order xrays and said it was something I would have to live with. I went to urgent care and they did x-rays and called me the next day and diagnosed it as a sprained ankle. The pain and swelling resolved itself within six weeks and I’ve had zero problems since then. My ankle is still going strong with the plate and four screws. Best of luck to you!
I broke my ankle on June of 2021 and it was painful but then I have had surgery to take out the screws there was a total of three surgery the first was fixing my ankle I had seven screws and one plate and the screw that was in the middle of the ankle was bothering me so they removed that one and kept in the rest of the screws and plate but then I was sitting down depressed and going through a lot and it did cause me pain at times or stiff in the morning so I decided to take mines out my doctor didn’t want to but I was feeling very down I’m in my 20’s and it has affected me a lot so I ended up getting my ankle surgery all screws and one plate removed on April 6 of 2022 I haven’t put full weight on it but tomorrow on april21 they are taking off my splint I’m not going to lie my ankle looks like a diamond in the ruff but I do feel way better and I’m hoping with therapy I can get my ankle Fluctuating where it needs to be and hopefully I can dance or salsa and wear heels again
@@lyfeoftreasures5952 can i ask how was it now?
@@justineyao586 hey so it is doing way much better ever since I took my screws off but here and there my ankle does swell I can’t run or jog as good so I feel like over all especially with my walk it is causing side effects to form from my body I wish this didn’t happen to me but since it has I have to make the best of it starting with a new attitude about the situation but yes do your research make the best decision for you but ever since I removed my screws I don’t have to wake up and try and work the stiffness in my foot it’s not a lot of swell all the time my ankle over all looks better I am my worse enemy and holding myself back but I am going to get therapy for sports so I can get back to doing the things I love
Hey doc I have 8 screws and a plate in my left ankle on 2008 and it's just started to bother me and I herd cracking and other sounds coming from the area is there a chance they need to be removed or something else is wrong
I had an internal fixation done. It’s been 13years now. I inquired about getting it removed and was told that it could lead to an infection so I refrained.
My ankle fixation looks exactly like your xray. I elected to have the metal plate and screws removed after 4 months. It was bothering me in the healing process. I did leave the 2 screws on a seperate fixation. I recommend removing the plate and screws at a minimum. The surgery was fairly easy and I let the screw holes fill in well before resuming full activities.
Thankyou for sharing your experience. I so dread another surgery, but after 6 months, the pain is still so bad that I limp & can only be on my foot about 20 minutes before needing to rest it. Little sleep due to the pain
Thanks for sharing. How long did it take for the screw holes to fill in? Does the ankle feel normal?
Not too long. The in unison healed pretty quickly. I just could handle the feeling of a plate on leg. I immediately started rubber band flotation. I credit that with a full recovery. No limp or arthritis
@@garywilson9640 wow thanks
The plate removal is a simple procedure. Incision and removal. I'm glad I did it. Your doctor should have you on percocet for pain. That and the rubber band flexibility brought me to 100% recovery
I'm 75 and I have some discomforts and I don't know what's going on, should I have xrays??
yes ma'am you should look your pain up
I have 2 plates and 16 screws in my right leg from a fib tib brake for about 13 years now and am overweight, do you have any recommendations as to what I should do? took 4 months to heal before walking again.....
i got 5 wires in my wrist / hand and have to get them surgical removed on the 19th of August, my first game is sep. 2nd, do you think I'll be able to recovery the pin removal by then?
I have a knee with 3 screws 😬😬😬😑
Im a little late but I did have ankle surgery two years ago and this video was very helpful as I was debating whether or not to leave my plate in!
Did you decide to remove it?
@@JANETHEJAWN Hi! No, I didn’t. It doesn’t bother me (except for when I skate) so I’m going to keep it in until it becomes a bigger problem. Do you have one?
@@Kate-qr5pj I have an appointment for November 3rd but I’m wondering if I should follow through or cancel 😩 The metal implants don’t cause me pain or discomfort but the swelling after I walk a lot really annoys me. Plus I like to wear heels so the swelling is even worse during those nights. But I’m wondering if the removal surgery is worth the possible risks vs dealing with a swelling issue.
What made you decide not to do it?
@@JANETHEJAWN ah yes the swelling! I definitely still get that too. I think the pandemic kinda forced me into making the decision not to. Other than that, I guess it’s about if I want to go through the recovery process again (even though apparently it’s much shorter). Not sure if that is a very helpful answer
@@JANETHEJAWN hi. What did you decide at the end? Did you remove It?
hello doc I just had remove my screws and plate ..but the docs kept saying that the swoling would never go .. the reason why I took them out I couldnt have normal moving for a whol year and a half ... the q is after how long i can go to normal movig ??
Hello sir
I had a fracture on humerus bone and I had a operation before 80 days nd they put a bridge plate. They gave me a humerus brace to wear. So I want to know what more precision should I take.
hello I know your busy but I have question I broke my (r)ankle a year ago now I have plate 6 screws on outter leg n 2 pins on inside but lately I been having pain, their alot of swelling n was wondering if the weather can cause this
+mandi turner Some people say cold or rainy weather aggravates their hardware.
Sounds like you and I have had a very similar break. The weather effects mine so much. I hurt in the cold and also in the rain
Get it out, I had hardware removed 8 weeks ago after 11 years and should have done it a long time ago. I have a few vids on my recovery, a lot of bone deteriorated after 11 years