Are all pins removed after Bunion Surgery? - Foot Problems Message Board

littlebit67 · 04-27-2008, 11:05 AM

I have two screws/pins in my toe. My doctor never mentioned removing the metal, but my doctor hasn't exactly been very communicative either. How many of you have had the pins/screws removed? AND how long after the first procedure was it done?

armykat · 04-27-2008, 01:38 PM

Hi little,

I think that all depends on the type of fixation, the needs of the patient, and the surgeon's preferences. There are some pins (k wires) that are always removed. I had screws put in, which are permanent, for all intents and purposes. My surgeon sees no point in taking them out, unless they begin causing discomfort at some point down the line.

RunnerMac · 04-27-2008, 06:55 PM

I had pins in my dislocated toes that were temporary, I knew that right from the start because they still stuck out of my foot 1/2 inch! They were pulled after 7 weeks and came out very easily which really surprised me. I also have permanent screws in the bone of my great toe, I haven't felt them at all.

lcweiden3132 · 04-28-2008, 07:02 AM

I also had pins (k wires) that were removed. I had two, they stuck out of the foot. It was really odd to see my foot looking that way. My second pin came out so very easily I was stunned....the first one did not.

dancergal19 · 04-28-2008, 12:04 PM

I have a screw in my first metatarsal from a bunionectomy last April. It won't come out unless it starts to irritate my foot. So far so good.