Post-bunionectomy, tell me about your hardware removal - Foot Problems Message Board

labrat1234 · 11-05-2008, 08:53 PM

Here is my situation: one and a half years after a distal chevron osteotomy, I am in general very happy with my foot. However, it does have a little bit of dull pain and swelling if I am on it for a very prolonged period of time. My doctor suggested, I may wish to have the small surgical steel screw removed, since it is possible that it could be causing inflammation if I were allergic to it (nickel). He said there is really no telling if my swelling would improve upon removal of the screw too. So, should I have it removed or not? Has anyone had less irritation of the area once your hardware was removed? Would you recommend having the screw out or should I just leave it alone?

Chubstercat · 11-06-2008, 12:52 PM

If it is clearly irritating the soft tissue, have it removed. It is not a big procedure. If it is only a small screw, they can probably do it right in the doctor's office. They will numb the area, make a small incision and remove it. I had a large staple, small staple and a screw removed. I had to had this done in the outpatient surgery center since that staple was large and they wanted to make sure the environment was sterile. This is not as bad as putting them in. It's like comparing apples to oranges. You will do fine.

debbie g · 11-08-2008, 11:13 AM

thats a hard call. my hardware was removed, but we clearly saw the plate sticking out. my toe is 100 percent better. i dont know what to tell you, but you may want to give it a shot. good luck and keep posting.

RightFootMary · 11-08-2008, 02:58 PM

I had a Lapidus bunionectomy 2 years ago with one internal pin. I opted to have it out after 18 months because it was right on the top of my instep and certain shoes I wore went right across it and it continued to swell. It is definitely better since it has been removed. I had the second foot done 4 weeks ago and now have internal pins in the toe and a plate and screws in the instep area so time will tell how this foot turns out.

Taking the screw out is really nothing compared to putting it in. I was in a surgical shoe for a couple weeks and then went right back to my shoes. For whatever reason I did have to go back to the surgical center to have it removed.

Good luck and let us know what you decide.

Mary in NY

labrat1234 · 11-15-2008, 09:49 PM

I decided to go ahead and have the screw removed. I made an appointment for December 8th. I love that I had to request a certain kind of screw driver (cruciate) when I scheduled my appointment! I am having a different doc take that screw out than the one that put it in, since my original doc moved to a new hospital in another state since my surgery. I will try to remember to update this with how it all turns out for me.