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Has anyone had hardware removal from their leg?
Bones, Joints & Muscles | Last Active: Aug 10 5:34pm | Replies (14)Comment receiving replies
In 2010, I fractured my tibia and fibula. I had plates and screws put in initially to hold the tibia together so it could heal. It was very uncomfortable with all of that hardware, but had to leave it all in for sometime, partly because we were in Montana on a motor home trip.
After we returned to California, I finally found a good orthopedic doctor who removed all the heavy hardware and instead inserted a titanium rod into the tibia itself, which would help it heal from the inside out. The relief of no longer having all of that hardware was amazing, but of course, my leg took a long time to totally heal and I was still experiencing pain, but more tolerable,
The surgeon had told me that I’d probably have a limp or have to use a cane, but after PT and working with it, I was able to walk into his office the day I was released instead of being pushed in a wheelchair.
I realize this is a pretty long story to answer your question, but I think it helps to get the big picture for the best understanding, Best of luck with your healing, do the PT as best you can, and never give up!
Replies to "In 2010, I fractured my tibia and fibula. I had plates and screws put in initially..."
Hi talkwithme,
Wow thanks for your amazing story. I had my right hip replaced recently, and that requires driving a titanium shaft into the femur to hold the new titanium hip ball. I felt that metal in my leg, my leg was not quite as flexible, but barely noticeable. In this case, the metal can't be removed, but I can live with it.
I also had both knees replaced, and those surgeries require a titanium shaft be inserted into the tibia with a metal plane on the top. This implant will stay there forever as well. With my knees, I've never felt the metal.
You make the most important point, the value in doing all recommended rehab. In fact, it's better to treat it as an order rather than a recommendation. I've recovered quickly and completely from my joint replacements. In fact, I'm going to have my shoulder replaced this Wednesday.
To Shelly's point, yes there are some surgeries where the hardware can be removed once all the healing is over. Talk it over with your surgeon and ask about the healing process once the metal is removed. And ask him if, in his opinion, you'll feel better once the metal is gone.
Thanks everyone for a great discussion!
Joe
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Thank you all for all the stories and support and advice. I'm up getting ready now. Praying for s great outcome.