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Should I have Tibia Hardware Removed after Healing?

Bones, Joints & Muscles | Last Active: Apr 7, 2023 | Replies (16)
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@don34

Hi Jennifer,

Your input has been helpful. My common sense tells me your right about the screws having very little to do about the tightness. It’s been a little over a year so I need to give it some more time. My surgeon said he thinks the tightness will improve however the numbness may be a different story. I will give that time, however most of time I don’t dwell on that and can live with it. I just hope the tightness resolves. As for my knee it stiff but improving and there is pain just below the knee cap due to one of the screws at the top of the rod that was inserted through my tibia. My surgeon said that can be removed easily in an outpatient procedure, a 15 minute operation, so I’m thinking of asking him about that. It certainly sounds like you have been on a long journey in your healing process. Right now I am gathering as much information as possible so I make the best decisions. As far as fear goes you have helped me step back and try and be a little more patient with my recovery. Thanks!

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Replies to "Hi Jennifer, Your input has been helpful. My common sense tells me your right about the..."
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Jun 8, 2022

Hi Don, I have been reading this thread with interest because I am wearing hardware old and new.
There is a titanium screw in my knee that has been there for over 25 years after a repair, for years I called it "a toothache in my leg" but the surgeon didn't want to mess with it, so my brain learned to ignore it over time. Except, when the barometer suddenly drops,it still warns me of impending bad weather!

As for tightness, remember that recovery from trauma takes a very long time. My daughter is still doing therapy after a badly broken wrist and forearm over a year ago. Her doc told her the day it happened that recovery was going to be long and difficult, and she was right. Now, they are hoping she will reach her "new normal" in 4-6 more months.

Here's what may be a little good news - after my knee injury, nerve repair/regrowth took over 2 years before my brain knew where my foot was, and the tingling went away. After hip revision, the pain, then tingling where nerves were damaged in my thigh took a couple years to resolve. Nerves repair VERY slowly, 1-2 mm per day.

So I think you already know - you are not yet totally healed, and patience and persistence will get you there!
Sue

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