Anyone have any experience with this? I know most here have had pins rather than screws. My Pod says that the screw is slightly impeding my range of motion and that it needs to come out in two weeks. She also said that it is a simple in-office procedure and that I can work the next day, with probably a bit of achiness. Can't wait to get it out!

Katie

I've heard its no big deal also, a little soreness for a day or two.

I have two screws in the first toe and pin in the second. They are suppose to be permanent... hope they are!! Wonder what makes them come loose?? Good luck with the removal!

I have had screw removal on both feet.They actually made a little cut and used tools to unscrew the screw.I had mine done at an outpatient surgery center under local. You do feel the unscrewing and pressure from the surgery.But not really any pain during the surgery.A little uncomfortable for a day or two afterwards.I work on my feet all day doing alot of physical labor so I had to stay out of work for several days. Good luck to you!
Sue :angel:

I have three screws and a plate that I am going to have removed in a couple of months. I was told that this surgery is far less than the original surgery (fusion). I am going to the doc next week to get all the info.


jdm1

Hello all, I am migrating from another thread regarding fractured calcaneous(heel) bones. My orthopedic has recommended removal of my two plates and ten screws in October, which is nine months or so from the date of my surgery to repair damage received in a fall from a ladder onto a concrete floor. The other posts don't give much detail on what bones or injuries are involved. If you care to share your stories with me, I would appreciate it very much. So far, I have not been able to locate information either pro or con regarding removal versus leaving things alone. My orthopedic told me that he is discovering that removal helps with range of motion and also with pain management. My ROM is about 50% in my right foot, and I am still having some difficulty with traversing uneven ground. My ankles are still weak from inactivity, and it is possible that contributes to my instability as well. Are any of you calcaneal fracture victims? If so we have a very good thread going on healthboards under "broken heel". Thank you and good luck with your hardware removal. My doc told me four to six weeks recovery on that procedure, so obviously I am excited if it would be a few days.......

momadeus,
Hi! I had a fusion of the great toe in Feb. 04 which included a bone graft from my hip. The bone graft was the reason for the plate and screws. My fusion was the third surgery I had. Briefly, the first one was to try to save the joint and the second one was a titanium joint replacement. My OS told me that about 40% of the people have the hardware removed even though it is meant to be permanent. She told me that the recovery was about two weeks. As mentioned in my earlier post, I have an appt. next week to find out all the info. I am hoping for surgery on June 27, the first week after I get out of school. I will post when I know more.


jdm1

Thanks, JDM1. If a person has more hardware possibly the recovery period could be longer.... I will stay tuned for further updates. Good luck with your recovery!