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Original poster

Recovery time after removal of plates and screws (ankle)

32 replies

duchesse · 31/01/2013 18:23

I had some metalwork (seven screws and a plate) taken out of my ankle the day before yesterday and I've been told to "take it easy" by the consultant for about a month, and to keep my foot up for a fortnight.

The thing is, I feel pretty much fine on the whole. I have a big bandage and some stitches under it so can't wear proper footwear yet, but what's the worst that can happen if I go back to pretty much normal life? There's no pain even though I've stopped the paracetamol and ibuprofen and there's only so much foot up a person can bear...

OP posts:

RockinD · 31/01/2013 18:28

They don't give you this advice for the hell of it. You know it makes sense. grin and bear it.

I couldn't say what would be the worst that could happen, but would you really want to risk it? They've just removed some serious metalwork there. Please, give it time to heal.

CMOTDibbler · 31/01/2013 18:32

Worst case - well theres soft tissue damage from getting a lot of swelling, a fracture through the screw holes... He didn't say it for fun, he wants you to have a good long term outcome.

lljkk · 31/01/2013 18:57

DH only had screws taken out (had been no plate) & that was a bit of a non-event.
His opinion is you go on how you feel. Respect any pain. How does it feel when you go straight from elevated to putting weight on it? Okay or weak?

Original poster

duchesse · 31/01/2013 19:03

Absolutely fine! The incision is a bit sore but everything else feels normal.

I guess I'm on the knitting for a while yet then...

OP posts:

tipsytrifle · 31/01/2013 19:05

I would imagine that the bone has to repair after the screws. There may yet be some swelling as surgery is intrusive and soft tissue's been disturbed for a third time (original event, surgery, more surgery) Remember that your metalwork and bone have been working together too; bone has to get used to not having its "friend" there now. You have a fresh incision to heal as well. It also depends on what you call "normal" activity! Rock climbing might be out for awhile yet!

mawbroon · 31/01/2013 22:28

I had a long plate with six screws on one side and two long screws on the inside of my ankle. I had them removed after about 9 months and wasn't told to take it easy at all! He said don't go playing football or anything, but everyday walking etc should be fine.

I was hobbling about until I got the staples out around 10 days later and then it was business as usual after that.

Original poster

duchesse · 10/02/2013 01:55

Thank you all. You are right of course about doing what I'm told. I'm pleased to report that I have no pain any more, apart from where the wound is, and am pretty much back to normal in terms of mobility. I'm having the stitches out on Monday so looking forward to that healing up quickly!

OP posts:

keshvi · 26/06/2015 17:34

Hi Duchesse, I have a similar surgery scheduled for August. Was just wondering during your recovery if you had to keep your foot elevated and take time off work? I'm fresh out of uni and starting a new job but I don't if I need time off for this surgery. The doc said I will be able to walk on it straight away but wasn't sure what recovery is like?

SmokingGun · 26/06/2015 17:50

I had 8 screws and a plate taken out of my femur and I was up and about straight away. It was a complete non event.

sml0789 · 08/05/2016 23:51

Been 2 weeks tmrw since removal having stitches out and I have to say I was feeling great about re coup until morphine and anesthetic wore off and the pain was pretty excruciating and full weight bearing out of the question. 2 weeks No driving and wudve gone mad had my mum not been around to help as have 15month old 2 teenage kids (1 of whom is HARD -WORK!) And to top it all my eldest daughter bought me a kitten 2 days after surgery! My achilles feels sooo much better albeit still very swollen and resting inbetween doin stuff so yes the only advise I will give is Do As Your Told!

NadesBentley · 21/11/2016 09:00

Hi, i had a bad ankle break like 5 months ago, had the surgery and screws, plates etc inserted, non weight bearing for 3.5 months. Eventually, with the use of both crutches i started "walking" then just over a month, i was scheduled for the hardware removal surgery. It's 11 days now since the second surgery and i am experiencing more and consistent pain, than i did with the first 5 hour surgery! Within seven days of the first surgery, i was off pain meds, but i'm living pain killer to painkiller now How long will this pain last please?

Davthom66 · 14/04/2017 04:37

Just had nine screws and metal plate removed from ankle doctors basically forced me to walk on it one hour after surgery thought my stitches were going to pop but docs said bone has healed and pain is from insicions got myself a stick but very very sore

Pauline03 · 29/03/2019 22:06

I just have a question for the group I got my cast removed March 1, 2019. I am still having a lot of pain where the hardware is. Can anyone tell me how long your hardware was me removed after surgery?Thank you so much.

Trimalleor · 30/03/2019 06:43

Im getting my plate and screws out after 1 year..next week
Did they put you to sleep?
I cant take pain.
How long before i can walk.
Can i go to work..Desk Job.?
Tell me does it hurt.

Tell me as much as you can about removal of hardware

leauge · 09/04/2019 07:19

Hello,
I had shattered talus 5-2018 with emergency surgery, and a follow-up surgery 6-20-2018.

Was non-weight bearing til 10-2018, started to walk 11-2018, and getting back to a somewhat normal walking gait just recently.

I just, today 4-8-2019 had metal plate and a couple to screws removed since they were up against a nerve and causing much pain.

Ortho surgeons just did not have much room to work with given the nature of my injury 5-2018, smaller size of foot/ankle. Fortunately, even though I am 50 years old and have several chronic medical conditions, Multiple Sclerosis (which means I have used steroids on and off for over 15 yrs), my bones & the cadaver bone used have healed well. Thus, I am/was a good candidate per my ortho to have the plate/screws removed.

I consulted this forum since my discharge instructions were not terribly clear on activity after the first few days. I am well bandaged over stitches and in an "aircast" boot. I am using crutches (not recommended but I needed a little help). I was told I can walk as tolerated and will receive more instructions on my f/u 4-23.

For me, after a day or so, I think a walk will turn into walking a mile or so (and I like in a rural area, where terrain is not even, etc.). I also have horses & livestock to care for, etc. That is part of a normal day, caring for ten acres, etc.

Pauline03 · 09/04/2019 08:46

I started physical therapy last week still having a ton of pain and still in the boot with crutches, I am also have a ton of pain in my heal just want to be able to walk without crutches. My foot is still turning an awful shade of purple, need hope, thanks for all the advice.

leauge · 09/04/2019 15:42

Pauline03,
So sorry you are in such pain; hang in there.
How long has it been since the initial injury? Are you doing all the "good bone" stuff, good supplements, etc. I also did an ultrasonic bone stimulator my Ortho ordered.
Anyway, I dealt with that nasty plate pain for 10 mos before two independent orthos felt like I was healed enough.
I guess sometimes ya gotta listen to the pros.
I am still working on range of motion and my toes are still frozen, can barely wiggle em. A long battle.
I did 5 most of p t. I feel your pain.
I will suggest to find a really good p t person. I am 50, went in there thinking I knew it all, but I learned so much and it helped. Keep a smile on.
Blessings to ya
Leaugeay

Pauline03 · 09/04/2019 17:14

Leauge,
I broke it January 2, 2019 by slipping on the ice, my Fibia and tibia. They did surgery on the on January 14, 2019, cast removal March 1. Just so much pain this far after and my doc is like oh it looks good and sees me for 5 minutes and leaves. Where do I get this good bone you are talking about? I get so jealous when I see people walking. But thank you for the kind words!

leauge · 09/04/2019 19:34

Pauline,
Well, I felt very much isolated (like I was so routine I had to do my own research). when I was injured may 2018. I would be happy to share anything I can. My husband is a go-along, do minimal kind of guy so he thought I just whined. I wanted to see a second opinion. From get go (wish I had).

Anyway, "ultrasound bone healing system". My system is thru "bioventus". I put it on two areas of affected bone for 20 mins early area for 8 mos (my damage was "open talus fracture+++; 16 yr old texting crossed the line, hit me head on, 65 mph road,he was in dually p/u I was in my Corvette).
Technically I own the unit, if you "Google them online you will see many out there for sale, they are based on hours-or life left". I would consider giving you my unit if you find you are interested and your physician feels it would be helpful.

Please do ask lots of questions, be sure to get copies of all your x-rays, MRIs, cat-scans and Dr notes for your records (never know when you may need to share with another physician.

The p t person can really be most helpful, and I always found the motto "catch more bees with honey" to be very helpful

Pauline03 · 09/04/2019 20:38

Leauge,

Every time I go to the doctor he just does an X-ray. I would love to try the unit to see if it can help, so please let me know if you could send it to me I am at my wits ends with this Pain! I think I may need to find another ortho doc to get a second opinion. I have been having the hardest time getting my foot flat on the ground because the way they set it in the cast. I guess it a uphill battle and staying in the house most of the day kind of sucks. Thank you for your kind words.

Pauline03 · 09/04/2019 20:42

Leauge,
I looked up the product and this is what they use at the physical therapy office and gives me pain relief.

leauge · 10/04/2019 01:18

Pauline,
You sound a lot like me, impatient. It has been ten months for me and my toes are still "frozen".
I am not sure we are speaking about the same type of bone stimulator unit, the one I am speaking about works solely internally, you will not really know if it is working. It helps in the long run, helps prevent bone death(necrosis).

Pauline03 · 10/04/2019 01:32

I am very impatient because I am so active and this has left me house bound, except the occasional trip to the store. But like I said I am willing to try anything.

Sue05 · 11/04/2019 21:01

I fractured my tibia and fibula and dislocated my ankle in Dec 2107. Had 14 pins and a plate removed in Feb this year. I was really apprehensive about having the metal taken out but also had to have my Achilles stretched as I didn't have full movement, so I decided they may as well take out the metal at the same time. I was so pleased when only a day after the op I was able to weight bear. I started physio 2 weeks later, everything has been going well. Today I woke up and literally had to crawl around the house. Have no idea what happened, I was fine when I went to bed!! My physiotherapist says it's because I was used to walking a certain way when I had the metal, it was extra support. Now it's gone, maybe I've somehow twisted my ankle and this has happened . I feel like I've gone back 12 months.

Trimalleor · 12/04/2019 08:32

Help i had my 10 screws and a plate taken out.
My foot wrapped up...PAINFUL I HAVE A SHOW FROM THEM..TO WALK . IT'S SO PAINFUL
WHAT CAN O DO

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