Recovery time after removal of plates and screws (ankle)

[duchesse]

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...

Mine was removed after a year. I was weight bearing the day after. That was 7 weeks ago. I've been in physio for a month now. All been great but yesterday I woke up and couldn't put my foot to the floor, have no idea why. Hoping to see my surgeon later today.

I wanted to provide my experience in case it helps. I broke my ankle and had ligament damage 5/2018. The doctor installed a plate, 5 small screws, and two longer syndesmosis screws. I was not walking much I think for a month or two. At the three month point I asked to have the two syndesmosis screws out. I didn't like the idea of them eventually breaking and being left in, and I also didn't like the idea of having any metal left in my ankle if I could avoid it. The outpatient surgery went quickly and I was not "put under," but I don't remember anything during their removal. I was asleep. I could walk that day with minimal pain. In May 2019 I had the remaining plate and five screws removed, same experience. It's been 18 months now and my ankle is doing great. I am even back to running with the finger toe shoes. It's been a gradual / periodic process, but I just did it and paid attention to pain to not overdo it by stopping when I felt certain pain. I think my ankle is close to or near back to normal as before the accident. I thank Jesus for this healing. I hope this helps you in your journey to a complete recovery. God bless you all, Tim

Tim, thanks for sharing your encouraging story. I believe your story. I just fell on ice yesterday morning and had the surgery the same evening. I have 8 screws on a plate and 2 long ones. I pray your healing to be whole.

I had bunion surgery 13 years ago. I know have the screw they put in is coming out and causing pain. I think it needs to be removed and I’m wondering what recovery will be like. Can I walk on it right away, or wear a special shoe, use crutches...etc? Will welcome any and all comments!! Thanks in advance!!

Thanks for everyone's comments, I've found this really helpful!

I suffered a comminuted spiral fracture of the fib and tib just above the ankle joint last summer (work team-building day: snow park, 15 stone coworker in a rubber ring on a hill, me in the wrong place at the wrong time!). I had two long plates and 18 pins fitted and was told I could ask about hardware removal at 12 months. Between 3 months in cast, delayed physio because I had surgery in a different local authority 60 miles away, and all the restrictions from Covid closing physio and the gym repeatedly, it has been a loooonnnng recovery that feels never ending.

I got the go-ahead in September for removal and a 6 week waiting time has now been extended until gosh knows when. I'm just glad the consultation took place and its now just waiting for a date and getting covid-prepped.

While I wait, it's reassuring to read other's experiences and I hope mine goes smoothly and gives me back some semblance of normality!

so did you ever get your answer? im getting mine out a week from today too 😰 except its 2021 lol

Can I join? Waiting to get mine out and worried about recovery times! But the pain from the very many screws rubbing on the nerves and tendons is horrific.